Leah Gaye McCraney of Birmingham, Alabama died of natural causes in her home on Thursday, May 10, 2012. She was 51. A memorial service will be held at Mtn. Brook Presbyterian Church in Mountain Brook, AL on Saturday May 19th at 10:00 AM officiated by Dr. Cary Speaker. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Britt McCraney Memorial Fund, c/o UAB Department of Ophthalmology, P.O. Box 55625, Birmingham, AL 35255. She was the daughter of Dorothy Lee Boyd McCraney and the late Harold Britt McCraney. She is survived by her mother, and her two brothers, Randall Britt McCraney and Nathan Harold McCraney, and her beloved dog, Harper. Leah was an accomplished author and dedicated advocate for higher learning and student achievement. She held a Bachelors and Masters of the Arts from New York University. She also served as the inaugural Program Manager for the Master of Engineering graduate track in Advanced Safety Engineering and Management. Leah also served as the English Coordinator for Trio Academic Services at UAB as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Birmingham Festival Theatre. She was well known for her fun and giving spirit, deep and loyal friendship, unwavering commitment to academic excellence and loving dedication to her family.