of Naylor, AR

April 5, 1952 - February 25, 2024

Elaine Merchant Connell, 71, of Naylor, Arkansas went home to be with her Lord surrounded by her family on February 25, 2024. She was born in Elizabeth, Louisiana on April 5, 1952 to the late Floyd and Ivor Mae Merchant. Elaine described herself as a shy, introverted, studious bookworm. She loved her parents and always told them she'd never leave them. At the age of 18, she met and fell in love with the love of her life, Victor Connell, while he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. They spent the last 53 years happily married. The Lord carried Elaine through many health trials during her life including one of the first successful liver transplants in Arkansas, 40 years ago. Elaine loved playing the piano, working and researching family genealogy, various needlework activities and building VBS curriculum for her church. One of her favorite roles was that of grandparent. She treasured spending time with her grandchildren and loved being ''Mawmaw''.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Evelyn Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Victor Connell; her children, Charity Grace (Stephen) Davis, Victoria Faith (Clint) Johnson; five grandchildren, Hope Davis, Gracie Davis, Sage Johnson, Ragan Johnson and Colter Johnson; sisters, Kala Gordy and Betty (Bruce) Freeman; brother, Dempsey (Latricia) Merchant and a host of others that she considered her family.

Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00PM Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at The Church at Meadowlake in Conway, Arkansas. Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 at the Church at Meadowlake with Burial following at Pleasant Valley/Naylor Cemetery in Naylor, Arkansas.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com