Germantown, TN - Constance (Connie) Beatty Carkeet was born December 24, 1920, in Niagara Falls, NY. She passed peacefully at her home on July 10, 2016, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Billy) F. Carkeet, Sr., brothers Robert Beatty and Jack Beatty, and sisters Mary Jane Norris, Gayle Beatty, and Gloria Beatty. She is survived by her four children, William F. Carkeet, Jr. (Patty), Virginia Mathis (Gene), Steven G. Carkeet (Julie), and Gloria Carkeet; brothers Richard Beatty and Paul Beatty, and sister Judy Beatty Killian. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Christopher B. Carkeet (Jennifer), Melissa C. Boals (Chris), Jennifer Fristick, Geoffrey Carkeet (Leigh Ann), Tracy C. Dugan (Casey), Timothy Fristick, Michael Carkeet (Maury), Catie Carkeet and eight great-grandchildren, Maggie Carkeet, Will Boals, John Carkeet, Samantha Boals, Presley Cate Dugan, Nala Carkeet, Kendall Carkeet, and Olivia Dugan. She is also survived by 24 nieces and nephews. Connie was a 1942 graduate of Syracuse University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Following graduation, she served as a WAVE in the United States Navy during WWII. While stationed at the St. Albans Naval Hospital on Long Island, New York, Connie met her future husband, Billy. They eventually settled in Billy's hometown of Memphis, opening the first of two family-owned furniture stores in 1947. A lover of animals and dogs in particular, Connie enjoyed all things family including European vacations, time at her Florida condo, annual visits to Niagara Falls, and trips to Tunica with "the girls." She was a voracious reader who loved gardening and her weekly bridge group. A loyal University of Memphis Tiger basketball fan, she rarely missed a home game. Her faith was strong, and she was a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and St. Luke Lutheran Church, both in Memphis. Connie was extremely grateful for the loving support of her caregivers, Tina Smith and Amanda Griggs, and the wonderful team at Methodist Hospice. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13 with the service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, both at Memphis Funeral Home, Poplar Chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park-Southwoods following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of choice. Memphis Funeral Home (Published in The Commercial Appeal on July 12, 2016)