of Conway, AR
November 12, 1950 - August 18, 2024
Shonnye Russell Connell, 73, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024. She was born on November 12, 1950 in Winnsboro, Louisiana to the late Lowry Russell and Mary Hataway Russell.
Shonnye was a graduate of Winnsboro High School in Winnsboro, Louisiana and then attended Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana, where she met the love of her life, Robert Clyde Connell, Jr., whom she married and built a loving family with.
She worked for State Farm Insurance Company for over 25 years as an administrative assistant and office manager.
Shonnye was a faithful Christian and a member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Conway. She was very active and involved in her church and Sunday School class. Shonnye dearly loved her church family and being a part of Woodland Heights.
Shonnye was a very kind, caring and giving person. She was the cornerstone of her family, the person who everyone could count on and depend on. No matter what transpired, she was the fierce Mother who protected them all. She always put everyone before herself. Her boys both played sports and she never missed a single game. She had a true selfless love for helping others and it showed in the way she treated and cared for those around her. To know her, even for a brief time, was to love her.
Shonnye enjoyed both flower and vegetable gardening, cooking and reading. She was also a talented piano player and singer. One of the most cherished things in her life was her dog, Spud, who just recently passed away.
She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Robert Clyde Connell, Jr. and her brother, Rocky Russell.
Shonnye is survived by two sons, Trey Connell (Kristi) of Conway and Paul Connell (Kristy) of Bloomington, Illinois; grandchildren, Addison Connell, Sam Epps, Ashlyn Connell, Will Connell, Mason Burson, Millie Burson, Baleigh Parker and Cabren Parker; as well as one brother, Larry Russell (Cherry) of Winnsboro, Louisiana. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Conway, with Brother Larry White officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM at the church. Shonnye cared deeply about Rise House of Conway, Renewal Ranch and Woodland Heights Baptist Church. Donations can be made to those organizations in her honor.
Shonnye was such a lovely lady. She always had a smile to share. I had the pleasure of working with Clyde and Shonnye in Monroe. Her family is in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Shonnye was such a sweet caring person. I know she will be missed deeply by family and friends. Prayers for her family.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Shonnye was a good friend and I enjoyed working with her.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Connell Family at this trying time. Shonnye was loved and respected by so many of us who were blessed to work with her. So kind and thoughtful with a smile that said, “friend”. Prayers for peace, comfort and strength are going up for all of you.
I am so sorry to hear this! She and Clyde were absolutely wonderful people. My thought and prayers go out for her family and friends! May she RIP with the love of her life!
I was so sorry to hear about Shonnye's death. When Clyde and Shonnye moved to West Monroe their son, Paul and my daughter, Melissa became good friends. Both SHonnye and Clyde were wonderful people. I will keep the family in my prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear of Shonnye’s passing. She was a dear friend and will be missed
Our family is praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Ms. Shonnye was such a sweet person. Our son always enjoyed talking with her when he and his cousin helped her around the house. She will be greatly missed! Jon, Tammy, & Hayden