Lessie Armentha Ayers Conner, 98, of Dillard, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, in Britthaven of Franklin in Franklin, N.C.

She was born June 24, 1905, in Swain County, N.C., to Creed and Baffie Bradley Ayers.

She and husband Minyard Conner made their home in Dillard in 1936. He worked for the railroad for many years. She was a homemaker and an avid quilter. She also worked at the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School cafeteria for a short time. She was a member of the Homemakers Club of Otto, N.C., and a participant in many Foxfire articles. She was a member of Newman's Chapel Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years and worked in Vacation Bible School, as well as other church projects.

She was the last member of her immediate family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Minyard Conner; three sons, Wayne, Newell and the Rev. Jack Conner; two daughters, Arlene and Coralee Conner; a daughter-in-law, Janie Conner; and a son-in-law, Joe Bradley.

Survivors include: five sons and four daughters-in-law, Billy Paul and Cliff and Margie Conner, all of Clayton; the Rev. Roy Lee and Sharon Conner and the Rev. Bobby Ray and Jeanette Conner, all of Dillard, and Steve Kent and Sue Conner of Mountain City; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Reva Mae Bradley and Eleanor and James Henson, all of Otto, N.C., and Martha Jean and Bill Speed of Dillard; 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at Newman's Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Roy Lindsey, Harvey Conner and Jeff Conner officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Published: The Clayton Tribune ~ Nov. 20, 2003