Audrey Fay Mathis Conner

With profound sadness, yet with hope in the promises of Christ, we announce the passing of Audrey Fay Mathis Conner of Conover, North Carolina, at the age of 78, on October 5, 2023.
Born in Rutherfordton, North Carolina on May 28, 1945, to Fannie Pearl Giles Mathis and David Michel Mathis, she was called home to join her late husband, James Junior Conner, in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Born Audrey Fay Mathis in the late spring of 1945, she was the second oldest of four girls. After graduating from Rutherfordton-Spindale High School in 1963, she attended "beauty school" and became a hairdresser, eventually fulfilling her dream of owning her own salon. She married the love of her life, Jim, in 1971 and left her career in cosmetology to support Jim in growing his household moving and storage business. She spent decades working as the secretary and office manager for the business, while also taking care of their home. She poured all of herself into her marriage and the raising of their two daughters, Donna and Stephanie.
Quiet and unassuming, she was the epitome of selflessness. She lived a modest life in self-sacrifice to those she loved, and she found contentment in the simple joys of life. Audrey loved spending time with family and dear friends, and her most cherished role was as Maca to her five grandchildren and her great-grandson. After losing her soul mate in 2005, she lived independently, and found happiness in dancing as often as possible. Her love knew no bounds or conditions, and her faith was just as unwavering.
She is now reunited in eternal peace with those who preceded her in death, including her parents, Michel and Pearl, husband, Jim, stepson, Dean, and brother-in-law, Cecil L. Geer, III.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Donna Michelle (Brian Murray) and Stephanie Lynn (Shaun Nida); her grandchildren, Jacob Hayden Murray (Alexus Nicole), Olivia Paige Murray, Stephen James Nida, Joseph Samuel Nida, and Caroline Evelynn Nida; her great-grandson, Landon Hayden Murray; her sisters, Charmaine Ruppe (Sammy), Norma
Edwards (Allen), and Myra Geer; her stepsons, James "Scott" and Terry Steven, along with their respective children; and grandchildren; her special son, Dwayne Costner; and her dearest friend, Davis Joiner.
A memorial service to honor and remember her will be held at Bass-Smith Funeral Home, located at 334 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601, on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 2:00 pm.
Family and friends are warmly invited for a time of receiving from 1:00-2:00 pm, immediately preceding the service.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made in her memory to the Catawba
Valley Zodiac Club of Conover, where she joyfully danced in recent years. It's motto encapsulates her spirit perfectly: 'You only get one life, Make the best of it. Take more chances. Dance more dances." As a tribute to Audrey, may we all remember to treasure moments and keep dancing.
In the days after her passing, her daughters uncovered a heartfelt note penned by their precious momma, intended as a personal contribution to her own obituary, a testament that beautifully captured her genuine spirit. Rather than a recount of worldly accomplishments, the note beautifully mirrored her selfless nature, highlighting her most treasured achievements and the depth of her love.
'She was Audrey to some, 'Miss Audrey' to others. Momma to her girls. Mother-in-law, stepmom. She was grandma, and she was Maca to her grandchildren and great grandchild. She was an Aunt. She was a sister and sister-in-law. And she was a friend.'
Rest in perfect peace with the Lord, Maca, until we are all united again in His glorious Kingdom.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the Conner family.