Lorene Conner

Lorene Ashley Conner

After 91 years, Lorene “Nana” Conner went to be with her Lord on March 31, 2011 one day before her 92nd birthday. She was born to Monroe E. Ashley and Mary Matilda Reese Ashley on April 1, 1919. She attended a one room school house in Liberty Community, Milam County, Texas. Lorene graduated from Milano High School in 1936 and married R.M. Conner, Jr. in September that year. She and her husband owned many businesses and Lorene never hesitated to do whatever job was needed to make things run efficiently. They moved with their two children in 1952 to Huntsville. Lorene was a charter member of Second Baptist Church, Huntsville. She retired from the Walker County Tax Assessor-Collector Office as Chief Deputy in 1983. After retirement, Lorene enjoyed working in her yard, attending family events and playing with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Lorene will be greatly missed by her large family and many friends who loved her dearly.
She was a devoted, gracious, giving and caring person. When ill or just needing an extra dose of love, Nana’s home was the absolute best place to be. She gave unconditionally to anyone and made those who met her feel as if she was their grandmother. In any situation, she could cheer someone up with her witty sense of humor. No matter how bad she felt or how tired she was, Lorene could brighten your day and comfort you in a time of need. Lorene kept a spotless home, but you never felt like you could not relax and be yourself in her home.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Alto, Aubrey, Raymond, Reese, and sister Alpha. She is survived by son Robert E. “Bob” Conner and wife Gwen and daughter Beverly Ann Niederhofer; grandchildren Tammy Dixon and husband Roger, Barry Conner and wife Rachelann, Laura Conner and Rhonda Conner, Sharese Niederhofer Hurst and husband Lane; great-grandchildren Michelle Dixon Unger and husband Samuel, Kevin Dixon and wife Michelle, Erin Dixon Rivera and husband Scot, Joshua Dixon, Braeden Whitecotton, Keegan and Annsley Hurst, Ferris and Kailey Tilton, and Cheyenne Endsley; great, great-grandchildren Rebekah, Jacob, Michael, and Gabriel Unger, Autumn, Seth, and Emma Dixon, Isabel and Katelyn Rivera, a number of nieces and nephews and special friends.

Lorene’s daughter-in-law, Gwen, devoted many years of her life to Nana. She made sure that Nana had everything she needed to be happy and healthy. The family would like to also give special thanks to Lorene’s devoted caregivers in her latter years: Cookie Davis and Lucy Mata. Lucy was committed to Nana and was always dependable. Cookie always brought Nana joy, laughter and special treats when she arrived each morning. Nana looked forward to seeing what Cookie had in store for each day. A special thank-you to the staff of Huntsville Memorial who were so attentive to her needs as well as those of her anxious family.

Visitation was held Sunday, April 3, 2011 from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Monday, April 4, 2011 at 10:00AM followed by internment services at Liberty Community Cemetery at 3:00 PM in Milano, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org.

Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com