FRIEL, ELAINE LAWHON Elaine Lawhon Friel, 60, passed away after a brief illness on January 7, 2012. Elaine was born October 25, 1951 in Birmingham, AL and grew up in the College Hills area, near Birmingham Southern. She attended McCoy United Methodist Church where her mother directed the children's choirs for many years. After the family moved to Vestavia Hills, Elaine attended W.A. Berry High School, graduating in 1969. Elaine graduated in 1973 from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Development. While at Auburn, she was a member of the university's first women's varsity tennis team. Elaine was employed as a social worker with the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources, Traveler's Aid, and, for the last 22 years, with Children's Aid Society serving as the Information Technology Coordinator. She served as President of the Bluff Park Elementary PTO during the school's 75th Anniversary Celebration. Elaine was also a past-chairman of the Administrative Board of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. She loved traveling, photography, computer technology, and attending Auburn sporting events with her family and friends. She will be remembered by all those who knew her as a generous and gracious Auburn Lady, a strong leader who made everyone feel welcome and part of the group, with the ability to make lifelong friendships. Elaine was preceded in death by her father, W. Coleman Lawhon. She is survived by her mother, Fay Prater Lawhon, loving husband of 37 years, William E. Friel, II; son, Ryan C. Friel and his wife, Andi. Services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 3pm in the sanctuary of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church with visitation before the service from 1pm to 3pm. Burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Children's Aid Society, 181 W. Valley Avenue, Homewood, AL 35209 or to Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, 2061 Kentucky Avenue, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216