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.
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12 Condolence(s)
Ann Peters
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Victor, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ann Young Peters, class of 1966.
Sandy Merchant Wiggins
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Vic Charity, Faith Kala, Dempsey, & Betty and all members of our family. Please know your all in my prayers, my heart breaks also for there are so many memories especially growing up half the time in the home of Uncle Floyd & Aunt Ivorie house. I love you all and though I can’t be there your all being held very close and dear in my heart. Elaine was truly a jewel as the Bible speaks about. I love you all Sandy Gail
Deena &Tim Flanigan
Monday, February 26, 2024
A sweet servant of God that I was privileged to know. What an example she set for her family! Sincere condolences to you all.
Clint Johnson
Monday, February 26, 2024
Brenda Murray
Monday, February 26, 2024
Been many years since i saw you last, but you were always kind to everyone.
Marilyn Scott
Monday, February 26, 2024
Victor, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. Please know your classmates of ‘66 are keeping you in our prayers.
Raye Jean Dow Linn
Monday, February 26, 2024
Victor, I’m not sure that you will remember me but we were in the same class in school. I just want to let you know that I am sorry about your wife. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you. Raye Jean Dow Linn
Iris Beck
Monday, February 26, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss, Prayers for the family
Herberta Smith Whitworth
Monday, February 26, 2024
Love you all. God give you comfort and strength.
Sandra Smith
Monday, February 26, 2024
Very sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family.
Charity Davis
Monday, February 26, 2024
Jeffrey & Penny Bernard
Monday, February 26, 2024
So sorry for your loss. We love you all and praying for you all in this time of mourning. May God give you the strength you need during this time.