An avid reader and lover of animals, especially her cats and dogs, Ms. Connell enjoyed refinishing furniture, antique shopping, crocheting, playing games and solving puzzles. She loved Toby Keith and took her children to many of his concerts over the years, from Columbia all the way to Atlanta. Her fondest childhood memories are fishing and spending time with her daddy, staying outside playing until the porch lights came on and revival time at Aunt Ruth’s each year.
Ms. Connell was a claims adjuster for State Farm for 32 years. After retiring, she drove a bus for the Columbia County School System for eight years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to many. She enjoyed spending time with her 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Ms. Connell is preceded in death by her parents, Sebran and Agnes Partridge; and brother, Sebran Partridge Jr. Survivors include her children, Beth Campbell (Alan), Bubba Huffman (Kay), Amy Amirault (Bradford) and Josh Connell (Stacy); siblings, Terry Ferguson and Lynn Partridge (Tina); grandchildren, Kelsea, Cody, Abbey, Thomas, Lily, Emma, Mason, Aeris, Logan, Isla and Piper; great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Tre; and her very best friend since the 2nd grade, Jane Hart (Jim).
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at the Columbia Road Chapel of Elliott Sons Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 21301 S. Tamiami Trl Ste 320 PMB 226, Estero, FL 33928.