Lissa Tanya Dutson McConnell

Lissa Tanya Dutson McConnell, 66, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on August 13, 2026, under the care of Big Bend Hospice. She was born July 28, 1960, at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada, to Wendell and Marlene Dutson.

A proud 1978 graduate of Niceville High School, Lissa was an accomplished track and cross-country runner who earned a scholarship to Okaloosa-Walton Junior College.

Lissa fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University. She became a registered nurse on December 15, 2001, and worked weekend night shifts in Labor and Delivery at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for 23 years, caring for mothers, babies, and families.

Lissa shared nearly 40 years of marriage with her husband, John Ray McConnell. While battling cancer herself, she cared for John through his final days with love and devotion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ray McConnell, who passed away July 21, 2026; her parents, Wendell and Marlene Dutson, who both died in 2015; and her older sister, Leahne Dunn, who passed away in 2022.

She is survived by her sons, Nate McConnell and Jordan McConnell; daughters-in-law, Shaniah and Kimora McConnell; brother, Jay Dutson, his wife, Laila, and their two sons; mother-in-law, Elaine McConnell; sister-in-law, Charlene Harnevious, her husband, Sam, their sons, Josh and Noah Harnevious, and their wives, Jacqueline and Jenna; Josh and Jacqueline’s two children; Noah and Jenna’s son; aunt-in-law, Debbie Spitler, her husband, Dan, and their children; uncles-in-law, Terry Folmar and his wife, Donna, and Mark Folmar and his wife, Peggy, and their children; her faithful dog, Morgan; and many other extended family members.

She is also survived by her cherished best friend of 45 years, Laura Ward; Laura’s husband, Wesley; and their children and grandchildren, who were family to Lissa in every way that mattered.

Lissa was hilarious, outspoken, energetic, and unapologetically herself. Known for saying, “Either love me or hate me, I don’t really care either way,” and “It is what it is,” she made people laugh and loved deeply. She showed that love by caring for others, feeding people, and making sure no one around her went hungry.

She enjoyed painting, drawing, crocheting, Hallmark movies, and the movie It’s a Wonderful Life.

The family thanks the staff of Big Bend Hospice for the compassionate care, comfort, and kindness they gave Lissa during her final days. They also thank Brooke Mariscal, whose support, kindness, and devoted presence brought comfort to Lissa in her final months. Lissa called Brooke her guardian angel.

In honor of Lissa’s favorite color, the family invites guests to wear blue, if they wish.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308, with a reception to follow. The date would have marked Lissa and John’s 40th wedding anniversary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lissa’s memory to Big Bend Hospice.