of Conway, AR
July 25, 1923 - January 2, 2017
EDITH ''Edie'' CANN CONNER passed away on January 2, 2017. She was born on July 25, 1923, in St. Louis, Missouri to Edith and Frank Cameron Cann. Growing up in St Louis, she graduated from Webster Groves High School and attended Washington University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Her dream was to move to New York, live with a cousin, attend design school and become a dress designer. World War II and a young GI interrupted those plans and she chose a more practical vocation. She graduated from Miss Hickey's Secretarial School and her first job was with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. One of the thrills of the job was meeting artists like Isaac Stern.
That GI, Bill Conner, gave her an engagement ring on Christmas Eve, 1943, and because he was leaving for Officer's Candidate School in North Carolina, they decided to marry on January 3, 1944. He was shipped overseas for three years and while he was gone Edie went to work for the St. Louis Chemical Company. Upon his return, they moved to Conway, Arkansas, as Bill's territory for International Shoe Company was the state of Arkansas.
Edie began her career in Conway as a stay at home mother of four serving multiple terms as PTA president, room mother and den leader for scout troops in the early years. As the children grew up, she was the ever present supporter at all their activities whether it was cheerleading, dance recitals, drill team performances, football, basketball, baseball games or swimming meets. There was not a more devoted, consistent fan. Edie's proudest accomplishment was being a mom and a ''Mamaw'' to her four grandchildren. She was kind, compassionate, giving and possessed an incredible sense of humor at just the right moment.
She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school classes, sponsored the youth group with her husband, years before her own children were teens and years after, actively participated in the Women of the Church's projects, taught Bible School every summer and worked with Cradle Care. She also was a founding member of the Conway Civic League and a member of PEO and the Phi Beta Phi Alumni.
She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, J. W. ''Bill'' Conner, her two brothers, Bill and Bob Cann. She is survived by her children: Carol Ann McAdams (Larry) of Little Rock, Nancy Davis (John), Steve ''Bo'' Conner (Melanie) and J.W. ''Bill'' Conner III; her grandchildren: Jeremy Baker (Amy) of Hot Springs, Danielle Burnell (Cody), Clint Conner (Beka) of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Craig Conner (Erin); her great-grandchildren: Baker Burnell, Brecken and Hendrix Baker of Hot Springs, Rowin , Hudson and Ramsey Conner of Ft. Leonard Wood, Ethan, Scotty, Bailey and Corey Conner.
The family is thankful for the staff at Heritage Living Center, Gentiva Hospice and the First Presbyterian visitation team. A celebration of Edie's life will be held on Thursday, January 5 at First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Prince Street, Conway at 1:00PM. There will be a family reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, lasting tributes can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Prince Street, Conway, AR 72034, Conway Public Schools Foundation, Inc., Endowment or Wampus Cat Lettermen's Club Endowment, P. O. Box 128, Conway, AR 72033.
My deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of you mother, Carol Ann. I hope the beautiful memories you have of her will comfort you and your family.
Carol, I never knew your mom , but I know that it is hard to lose your mother, no matter what age you are. You have my sincere sympathy and blessings. Cissy Mahan Lieblong.
We are saddened to learn of Aunt Edie's passing. Our love and prayers are with Carol, Nancy, Beau, and Bill.
Love always,
Bill and Susan
To Bo and the Conner Family: I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings, Richard Robinson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Edie was a special person and will be missed. We have many fond memories of her and all of you. With loving sympathy!
What a lovely lady your mother was. You, her family, are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My first message was incomplete. A beautiful tribute bringing back so many memories. She explained to me the layout of St. Lewis and I still remember it. She told me how the women would all go to Union Station and hope the right man got off the train. Stories I will never forget.
She loved all of you so much. You were her life. Amazingly she had love left over for your friends. She is one of the sweetest, most loving people I have ever known. Heaven gained a dear angel.
I am sorry for your loss. Sending hugs, love, and prayers.
Carol Ann,
So sorry to hear about your Mom.
All my Prayers & condolences to you and your Family.
Frank ie
Nancy, Carol Ann, Bill and Bo and I so sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families during this time. love ya Tammy
Carol Ann,Sorry to here about your mom, our prayers are with you and your family.
Love , Karla Shipman
Carol , Larry and family . You are in our prayers. Love Steve and Norma Hoffmann.
Carol, Nancy, Bo, Bill, and Family,
What a beautiful tribute to your mother
So sorry to hear about your loss. The obituary is such a beautiful tribute to your mom and all she did for her community, church and family. You and your family are in our prayers!