Edna Wheat Connell, age 92, died Sunday, December 27, 2009 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. She was born in Hot Spring County on October 1, 1917 to the late Monroe and Inez Byrd Wheat. Reared and educated in Hot Spring County, she was the widow of the late Jewell Connell, to whom she was married on December 25, 1936. He preceded her in death on May 28, 2007. Mrs. Connell was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church . She was a devout Christian and she considered her bible her most valuable possession. When she became unable to attend church, she studied her Sunday School lesson every week. Mrs. Connell loved to cook, to sew, and to crochet. She also loved to tend her flower garden, and was an immaculate housekeeper.

She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Jewell Connell Borland of Malvern, by her beloved granddaughter, Lori Lea Borland of Jacksonville, and by two special friends, Ted and Linda Craig of Malvern.

Mrs. Connell was also preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Her funeral was held at the graveside in Big Creek Cemetery on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers were: Dr. Ray Bollen, Gary Borland, Timothy Connell, John Connell, Eddie Conklin, and Larry White.

Memorials may be made to Pathfinder, Inc. 2520 West Main Street , Jacksonville , AR 72076 , Attention: Kay Griffis.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.