Reona Connatser

Reona Russell Connatser, age 88, joined many of her loved ones in heaven on May 20, 2012. Surrounded by family members at her home in Maryville, she passed away peacefully after being ill for some time. Preceded in death to eternal life by parents, Joseph A. & Ollie Freeman Russell; brothers, James (Buddy), Fred, Bill, Phillip, and Joe Russell; sisters, Edith Walker, Gladys Stiles, Maxine Emmons, and Marjorie Hamilton. Reona was born in Copperhill, Tennessee, and grew up in the mountains of Fontana, North Caroline on Eagle Creek. She was a self taught guitarist and sang and performed at state fairs, fidders' conventions and on the local radio. She wrote and recorded several songs. Other interest included sewing, cooking, poetry, and crossword. She worked with children and youth in the church and sang in the choir for many years. She attended Lanier High School and was a lifelong homemaker. At age 70, she earned her GED and into her 80's wrote her autobiography. She loved people and always put others before herself. She, along with her husband, opened her home to foster children with a heart full of love. A devoted Christian, she loved the Lord first. As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her family was her joy. One of her favorite scriptures from which she penned a poem was "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Phil. 1:21. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Maryville. Reona is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Ernest Connatser; daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda & Don Sims of Knoxville, Janice and Kyle Bible of Walland; son & daughter-in-law, Russell & Jane Connatser of Maryville; grandchildren, Dr. David Sims of TX, Lorin Sims, who was also her special long term caregiver, Jared Bible, Kyla Ledford, Tyler and Spencer Connatser; great-grandchildren, Haley, Carson, parker and Caden Ledford, and Colin Sims; several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Celebration of life service will follow at 2:00 PM with Rev. Greg Long and Rev. Don Sims officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens for the interment. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to in her honor to the music department at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 3736 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37804. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithMaryville.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Reona Connatser please visit our Sympathy Store.