Natalie Lovejoy Conner

Ina Natalie Lovejoy Conner of Stewart went home to her Lord on Monday, March 5, 2012. She was born May 16, 1927 in Coryell County, Texas, to Ina Idell Porter and Thomas Byrd Lovejoy. She married Roy Lee Conner, Jr., and moved to East Texas in 1952. Mrs. Conner was an energetic homemaker who greatly enjoyed caring for her husband and four children. She sewed her own and her children's clothes, grew and preserved enough fruit and vegetables to feed the family all year long, and worked tirelessly in the yard to create a beautiful landscape. She loved art, and created many beautiful paintings. Often she went foraging in the woods for leaves and other natural objects which she arranged into lovely centerpieces for the home. Though she never finished high school, she was widely read and instilled a lifelong love of learning in her children. Mrs. Conner was active in the community, serving as president of the PTA, helping with elections, and teaching children in Sunday School. In later years, she volunteered to teach adult literacy and craft classes for seniors. Although Alzheimers gradually robbed her of the ability to think clearly, she remained articulate and witty almost to the end.Natalie Conner is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Patricia Conner and Jim and Teresa Conner, and daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Joe Parsons, all of Stewart; five grandchildren: Camille and husband Mark Kolu, Natalie and husband Eric Gibson, Mark and wife Denise Parsons, Tricia Conner, and John Conner; two great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn Gibson and Joshua Parsons; sister Sarah and Basil Bernard, and brother Brooks and Joy Lovejoy; sisters- and brothers-in-law Joyce and Kenneth Thomas, Patsy Ruth Conner, and Gene and Darlene Conner, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-four years, Roy Lee Conner, daughter Barbara Lina, and two grandchildren Joseph Lina and Charles Lina. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Henderson and held past memberships in First Baptist Church of Tatum and Hickory Grove Baptist Church.A memorial service is scheduled for two oclock Friday afternoon in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Henderson. Family will receive friends following the service at the church.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701, or to the Annie Armstrong mission fund, First Baptist Church of Henderson.Condolences may be made at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Natalie Lovejoy Conner

May 16, 1927 - March 5, 2012