Nelle Harper Lee (April 28, 1926 – February 19, 2016)

(FOXNEWS) – Alabama-born author Harper Lee, whose book
"To Kill a Mockingbird" became one of the most beloved, widely-
read and best-selling novels of the 20th century, has died.

Hank Conner, Lee oldest nephew and the family spokesperson
said: “This is a sad day for our family. America and the world
knew Harper Lee as one of the last century’s most beloved
authors. We knew her as Nelle Harper Lee, a loving member
of our family, a devoted friend to the many good people who
touched her life, and a generous soul in our community and
our state. We will miss her dearly.”

Lee, who won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for "Mockingbird,
" published just two novels in her lifetime. She released “Go Set
a Watchman” in July 2015, more than 50 years after “To Kill a
Mockingbird” hit bookshelves.

Lee, who never married, did her best to stay well out of the
spotlight for many years after “Mockingbird,” turning down
interview requests and leading a reclusive, intensely private
life in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama.

Harper Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at
the White House in 2007. In 2010, President Barack Obama
awarded Lee the National Medal of Arts, the highest award
given by the U.S. government for "outstanding contributions
to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts".

Lee being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George
W. Bush.