Faye Levolyn Beck Conner

In Loving Memory of Faye Beck Conner On the evening of February 8, 2019 our mom decided it was time to go Home. She departed this earth in the company of her Precious Katy and Baby Girl Sherry, with a final sigh of relief, leaving behind a sense of peace as her Soul left this Earth. Mom was ready to go - she was not frightened and reassured her family many times. She told us more than once she was lonely for the family and life she enjoyed as a child. She shared so many memories in the last months of her life: Visiting the church her momma, aunts, and uncles helped build, rock by river rock. Sitting in that church with the extended family, saints and “reprobates” alike. Having dozens of cousins closer than siblings, and maintaining friendships for decades. Country cooking – Sunday after church family meals. Moonshine. Folk medicine. Folk music. Making choices and abiding by the outcomes. Loving your family no matter what feuding may be going on. Mamie’s jet black hair and stories of Texas. Aunt Kate. Uncle Riley. Jack. The twins. Uncle John. Pappy in the front room waiting for his way Home while baby Donna babbled at his bedside. Making sure her daughters knew fighting was not allowed amongst the four of us and the older must always look out for the younger ones! Meeting the love of your life when you were barely a teenager and knowing there would never be another man in your life. Enjoying music through the decades, but as the hours dwindled, going back to the gospel message embodied in the beautiful sound of Sherry singing Johnny Cash’s Wayfaring Stranger: I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger Traveling through this world below There is no sickness, no toil, nor danger In that bright land to which I go I'm going there to see my Father And all my loved ones who've gone on I'm just going over Jordan I'm just going over home I know dark clouds will gather 'round me I know my way is hard and steep But beauteous fields arise before me Where God's redeemed, their vigils keep I'm going there to see my Mother She said she'd meet me when I come So, I'm just going over Jordan I'm just going over home I'm just going over Jordan I'm just going over home Wayfaring Stranger lyrics © Public Domain We know she held on for us as long as she could but in her last weeks, she dreamt of Pappy, Mamie, and her Beautiful Momma. The greatest compliment you could give her was to tell her she looked like her Momma. And we watched as her eyes drifted over and over to the picture of her and our daddy that we did not even think she could see any longer. We mourn our loss but not her passing – she was ready and at peace. This is her wish and were she present today she would tell us stop the crying right now. She never could abide crying. She leaves behind four daughters and two sons: Donna Conner, Jammy Neubauer, Sherry and Peter Ewy, Peggy and Stephen Hoxie. She also leaves adored grandchildren Victoria, Elizabeth Grace, Nicholas, Stephen, Sarah, and Sophia. She is survived by her sister Sue and brother-in-law Bill Fitch, and two brothers Jim (and Laura) Beck, and Steve Smith. During the last weeks before Momma's death she was struggling to remember names, but the stories and faces were clear in her memory: we have to include our extended family both around Pensacola and in Bowling Green as loved ones left behind: The “Spencer Girls – Carol and Alisha, best friend Joyce Crabtree, cousins Barbara, Donald, Ernest, and Patricia! Daddy’s last surviving brother Jerry Conner has some stories to share as well of the Conner’s and Beck’s growing up around Warren County. Even if we do not mention you by name, please know you were Momma’s thoughts and memories as she was nearing the end. She did not want to worry anyone, or make a fuss. However, we know, she was saying her good byes to each one of you in her own way. She is preceded on death by her mother Alta Marie Smith and her beloved Husband, Donnie Conner. We miss you Grandma and Daddy, every day. Take care of Momma until we meet again. Mom specifically stated she did not want a mournful funeral, or a depressing memorial. Honoring her wishes, the immediate family will have a private Service of Committal of her Remains at the Grave Site March 15th. As she and daddy wished, they will be spending eternity together. The family will receive friends at 1PM on Sunday, March 17th for a Celebration of Mom's Life. A covered dish is welcome, but certainly not required: your company is more important to our family! Informal dress. Please contact Jammy or Sherri. While flowers are thoughtful, mom always preferred a more lasting, living expression of love. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Emerald Coast Hospice, or a Hospice Agency of your choice in Faye Conner’s name. Thank you all for your love and support, and May God Bless and Hold you all in the Palms of His Hands until we meet again.

Tributes

Faye Levolyn Beck Conner

May 1, 1941 - February 8, 2019