Connie L Skinner, 86, of Fort Smith, passed peacefully from this life on April 7, 2011 in Peachtree Hospice in Fort Smith. She and the family were blessed to have such a loving, caring and peaceful environment in which to make this transition. She was born February 24, 1925 in Waveland, AR to Monroe T and Gladys Greenlee Wiseman. Connie was President of her graduation class at Havanna High School before moving to Fort Smith. There she met, married, and raised a wonderful family with the man of her dreams, Ezra “E.T” Skinner. They were best known in the Fort Smith Region as the owner/operators of Skinner Studio and Bridal Fashions between the years of 1952 and 1987. There are few homes in the area that didn’t have their portraits taken by E.T. for weddings, school pictures, church directories, or other special moments and/or purchase that perfect dress for their wedding day from Connie. They took great joy and pride in being a part of these special moments in the lives of the citizens of this area. Many have come forward with memories and stories of how Connie touched their lives and what they remember most about her. It was her contagious smile and sweet, gentle spirit that seemed to be at the top of the list each time. From her days at the Junior Miss through her years in bridal fashions, her flair for fashion became a part of her lifestyle. Possibly best put by a close friend, “the Style-Meter in Heaven rose the moment Connie arrived there!” Outside of the family business, she was an active member of Altrusa, and was instrumental in establishing the event known as A Taste of Fort Smith that flourishes even today. Connie, along with her husband, was also a Founding Member of the Southwest Bridal Association. She was a long time member of First United Methodist Church and the Aldergate Sunday School Class, which she loved with all her heart.
She is survived by one daughter, Connie Buchholz of Dallas, TX; two sons, Dr. Bob Skinner of Fort Smith and Pat Skinner of Los Angeles, CA; two sisters, Bonnie Shoemaker of Havanna, AR and Fern Bartshe of Nevada, MO., two brothers, Lynn and wife Lucille Wiseman of Little Rock and Glenn Wiseman of Salem, IN; and four grandchildren, Christian Buchholz, Lisa, Lesley, and Lindsey Skinner. She was preceded in death by her husband Ezra Skinner.
Funeral service will be Monday, April 11. 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Forest Park Cemetery, all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dee Carroll, John Stauffer, Christian Buchholz, Kevin Newton, Bob Worley, and Dr. Edwin Coffman.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the Aldersgate Sunday School Class.
The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Sunday from 4-6 PM
Memorials may be made the First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Fort Smith, AR 72901 or Peachtree Hospice 4300 Rogers Fort Smith, AR 72903
To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
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