1931
2010
VIDALIA -
Mrs. Helen Downie Conner, age 79, of Vidalia died Wednesday September 1, 2010 at Community Hospice of Vidalia. Born on May 1, 1931 in Uvalda, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Downie. Mrs. Conner graduated from Georgia Southern in 1953, and she obtained a Masters in Education in 1976. She was selected as STAR teacher seven times at Vidalia High School where she was head of the Math Program. She also taught Mathematics at Brewton Parker College. She loved her church, family and community. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Vidalia and the Winsome Sunday School Class. She served as a former president of the Pine Ridge Garden Club and was a member of the Daughters of the Revolution. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lawrence Conner, and her brother Neal Downie.
Mrs. Conner is survived by one son and daughter-in -law, John and Barbara Conner of Vidalia, GA; and one daughter and son- in- law, Ann C. and Wallace Harrell, III of St. Simons Island, GA; two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Laura Ann Harrell of St. Simons Island, GA.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 3, 2010 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at Murchison Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held Saturday September 4, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. in the Historic Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Vidalia with Rev. Don Moye officiating.
The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.
Burial will be in Pinecrest Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the J.C. Brewton Scholarship Fund at Brewton Parker College or to the First Baptist Church of Vidalia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 8, 2010
Sarah E. Waller Foster
Mrs. Conner was a phenomenal teacher and mentor to me as a math student at VHS. As a math teacher now, she still serves as my model as I teach and appreciate the encouragement she gave to me as I learned to help other students. She will be missed.
September 30, 2010
Lee Kite
Dear Ann,
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 13, 2010
Lori Brantley-Wingate
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person and teacher. You must be so proud to know that she made a difference in many lives and that she will not soon be forgotten. She made a positive impact on many. I am one of those people. God bless you!
September 8, 2010
Ann and John, I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady and a great teacher. I was very lucky to have had her as my math teacher. She was witty and just a good person. I so enjoyed running into her over the years. I was out of town or I would have seen you all during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy Fields Moses
September 7, 2010
Melinda Allen
I'm so sorry for the loss of Mrs. Conner. I have such good memories of her as a wonderful teacher and lovely person. You are in my thoughts - Melinda Allen
September 6, 2010
Jon Hardwick
Dear Ann, John, and rest of family,
May time heal what words cannot. Thinking of you at this time and extending heartfelt understanding and sympathy. Barbara has kept me informed but I was late hearing the news.
Jon Hardwick
September 6, 2010
Sue Shuman - Toole
Dear Ann, John, and Family, Your Mother was an exceptional teacher and special person. I was fortunate to have her as a teacher at Vidalia High School between the years of 1964 and 1968. I pray that wonderful memories your family shared will sustain you during this difficult time. Sincerely , Sue Shuman Toole, Deland Florida
September 6, 2010
Sue Shuman - Toole
Dear Ann , John , and family , From 1964 until 1968, I was a student at Vidalia High School. I remember your Mother very well . She was an excellent teacher and a person of the highest caliber . I pray for memories of happiness to sustain you at this difficult time . Sincerely , Sue Shuman Toole , DeLand Florida
September 6, 2010
Jana Underwood
John and Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was an excellent teacher and role model. I will always appreciate her as my high school math teacher and as my mentor when I worked at VHS.
I saw your mother a couple of years ago at a hospital in Savannah when she was visiting a friend. She immediately recognized me even though I had not seen her in several years! We had a very nice chat that day! You will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Jana Hodges Underwood
September 6, 2010
Larry Stell
To the family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you right now. I never had her as a teacher but she did help me with math in the math lab when was taking math in 1991 at Brewton-Parker College.
September 6, 2010
If we are a success today, it is because we had a great teacher and that is truly a fact when you think of Helen Conner. She touched a lot of people's lives and made a lasting impact! Treasure your memories as they will bring you comfort.
Susan Zeigler Turner (Savannah, GA)
September 4, 2010
Ann, my thoughts and prayers are with you through this most difficult time. What a wonderful gift to have had a mother who brought you and your family so much love and inspiration. Your daughters will have so many fond memories of her and she will always be part of the wind beneath their wings.
Ann McCann - St. Simons Island, GA
September 3, 2010
Emily Ross
Dear Ann and John:
My family and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Your mother was an exceptional person, and I cherish my memories of her during our years at Agnes Scott and after. Ann, we are lucky to have had mothers who were also our best friends. Love to you and your families,
September 3, 2010
Judy Talton
Ann, John & Families, it is with deep sadness to learn of your mom's passing.Your mom and dad both were so gracious to John & me when we
first arrived in Vidalia, June 1970, and especially through First Baptist.
Mary Lynn & Jennifer both respected and learned so much under her as
their math teacher. No wonder she was Teacher of the Year so many times.I will miss her daily at the Wellness Center in my class. Please know we deeply share your loss but rejoice that we know she had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. May God surround you with His huge arms as we lift you up in prayer.
September 3, 2010
June Hunter
John and Ann: You all don't know me but I wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your mother. She taught a college algebra course that I took and we worked at the polls together. Vidalia has suffered a loss; she was a dear lady. I am in Atlanta this weekend and won't be able to attend the funeral. May God comfort you during these times.
September 3, 2010
Larry & Rose Ann Lewis
Our love and prayers are with you in your loss. We can all be comforted, however, knowing that Helen is with the Lord. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy in her family, friends, students, and other loved ones who were all blessed by her life. Our prayers are with you in these times.
September 3, 2010
We are saddened by the loss of Helen Conner. As close friends of Ann & Wallace Harrell and her family, our love and prayers are with all family members in this difficult time.
Susan & Frank Hardwick, St. Simons Island, Georgia
September 3, 2010
Gail Kellis
Your family are in my prayers.
September 3, 2010
Jack & Kenna Pitts
Helen's passing is a loss to the entire community. We know she's in Gods hands though. She will be missed by all of us that knew her.
September 3, 2010
Mae Jones
I am so sorry to know of Helen,s death. She was a lovely lady and a wonderful person, Please know I am thinking of you with love and prayers, Mae Jones
September 3, 2010
Alissa Hanrahan
Professor Conner taught me during my freshman year at Brewton-Parker College. That was in the Fall of 1996. I will never forget her patience and persistance in teaching me College Algebra.
September 3, 2010
Mary Redmond
Dear Ann and John and families, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a wonderful woman and a beloved teacher and touched the hearts of many people in her lifetime. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Love Mary (Mike) Redmond
September 3, 2010
John & Pam Ferrelle
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
September 3, 2010
Pam Langston
John and Ann. I am deeply sorry about the lost of you mother. She was a great lady. Just to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you both during this sad time. Dale and Pam Langston
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