Miriam Morris "Midgie" Connors

CONNORS Miriam "Midgie" Morris Connors, 95, a Jacksonville resident for over 90 years, died on March 9, 2011. The book, "Love, Midgie," written by her daughter-in-law, Faith R. Connors, described "Midgie's" girl-hood adventures while growing up in historic Springfield. The Springfield Preservation and Restoration (SPAR) Council honored the book and its subject with "Midgie's Tearoom," during its 2009 Steeped in History Home and Garden Tour, where the former "Pepperette" (cheerleader) from the Andrew Jackson Senior High School, Class of 1934, autographed books and charmed visitors with recollections of life in 1920s Springfield. Miriam was born in 1916 in Oxford, Florida (near Ocala), where her father, Henry Tracy Morris was a telegrapher for the Seaboard Airline Railroad, and her mother, Emma Lee Smith Morris, was a homemaker and mother to Midgie's older brother, Henry Caston Morris. Both her grandfathers, Solomon Smith (Ocala) and Col. Henry L. Morris, were Civil War Veterans--Morriston, FL being named after the latter. The H. T. Morris family moved to Jacksonville in 1918, seeking better medical attention for Emma's tuberculosis contracted during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918. Sadly, she died in 1923, leaving Midgie and her brother, Henry, to grow up in Springfield without their mother. Later, she credited its close knit community of friends and neighbors for their support. Miriam married Woodrow R. D. Connors of Jacksonville in 1936, lived in Springfield until shortly before the birth of their son, Tracy Daniel Connors in 1939, then moved to North Shore where they remained until 1964. In 1942, a son, John David Connors was born, followed by daughter, Eva Christine Connors in 1951. Later, they also lived in Arlington, Eagle Bend (Nassau River), and Empire Point. Both Miriam and Woodrow were among the earliest members of the North Jacksonville Baptist Church, joining in about 1945, when its membership was fewer than 50 people. They remained active in the church until recent years, holding many responsible offices and leadership posts. As her children attended local schools, Miriam was active in the PTA's of North School Elementary School, Kirby-Smith Jr. High School, and Andrew Jackson Senior High School. She also served as a "den mother" during her son's participation in Boy Scouting, both of whom earned Eagle Scout rank. Miriam was a devoted mother and spouse. Her husband, Woodrow, retired owner of Connors Construction Company, founded the Jacksonville Woodworkers Club and was noted for personally crafting over 20,000 crosses. It was Miriam, however, who drilled the holes for their yarn necklace, and applied the finish. They celebrated 73 years of marriage. Miriam Morris Connors is survived by her three children, including: John David Connors (Joyce); Eva Christine Connors; and, CAPT Tracy D. Connors (Faith), USN (Ret); four grand children, including: Jennifer Connors Davies (Edward) of Middleburg, FL; Clayton M. Connors, Esq. (Stephanie) of New Orleans, LA; Karen Connors Henson (Jeffrey) of Charlotte, NC; Miriam Connors McCarns (Dean) of Richmond, VA; and, nine great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home. A memorial service is on Saturday, April 2nd, 2:00 p.m. at the Town & Country Funeral Home, Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. (904)781-9262 www.townandcountry.com


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