Mary Evelyn "Tellor" Conner

Mary Evelyn (Tellor) Conner, "Granny", 81 of Bethalto, Illinois passed away March 15th, 2026 in her home, surrounded by the love of her children. Born on April 14th, 1944, in Anna, Illinois, Mary is the great-granddaughter of Louis "Louie" Tellor & Mary (Clark) Tellor as well as Hugh Burton & Mary (Sumner) Burton.

She lived a life defined by devotion, resilience, and a deep commitment to those she cared for. On November 7, 1969, she married Harold Conner, and together they built a home filled with warmth, stability, and unwavering support for generations.

A woman who had a dream, and who did something about it in spite of difficult odds. Married at 15, Mary never finished high school, and instead spent her younger years raising four children. Mary was deeply committed to bettering herself and building a strong future for her family. She earned her Associate in Applied Science Criminal Justice in May 1978 at Rend Lake College in 1 ½ years, while working the 11pm to 7am shift in a nursing home to finance her schooling. She then went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in May 1980 at McKendree College in Lebanon, IL while working split shift as a Security Officer at Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt.Vernon, IL. She then moved to Alton, IL and was a security officer at St. Joseph Hospital and then Shell Oil Refinery in Roxanna, IL. A testament to her determination, intelligence, and perseverance. Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983 under went six months of chemo therapy and radiation and remained cancer free for 42 years since 1984. She then worked at Jefferson County Court House in Mt.Vernon, IL as a Probation Officer until falling down the steps and permanently disabling her, however she takes a back seat to no one with her qualifications. Mary always enjoyed gardening and landscaping any home/property she ever lived at, but in her later years you didn't catch her too far away from her garage and a pair of dice.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Conner; her children, Mary Lantrip, David Franklin and; her step children, Sheri Conner and Denny Conner; and her grandson, James Caldwell.

She is survived by her children, Larry Franklin and Tammy (Scotty) Stewart, one step daughter, Tammy (Michael) Webb

Mary leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren: Theresa (Jerry) Collman (adopted and raised by Harold and Mary Conner's daughter/granddaughter), Stephen (Kelly) Caldwell, Evan (Elli Hammons) Franklin, Natalie Franklin, and Breanna Flores; and her step grandchildren: Deanna Tucker, Shawn (Kristen) Wright, and Rebecca Webb.

She was blessed with many great grandchildren: Kristian (Mikayla) Young, Hannah (Mark) Boyd, Megan Collman, Kraig (Brittney) Young, Elizabeth Reed, Caden Farrell, Colten Farrell, Jakob Caldwell, Jayden Caldwell, Laura Caldwell, Leland Caldwell, Holden Franklin, Sienna Franklin, and step great grandchildren: David Tucker, Layla Tucker, Nevah Tucker, Abbigail Wright, Jacob Wright, and Gary Ratcliff.

Her love extended to the next generation as well, with great great grandchildren: Jason Young, Oliver Young, and Maycie Evelyn Boyd (Mary's name's sake) and one step-great great grandchild, Camden Tucker.

Mary was known for her steady strength, and the way she made everyone around her feel cared for. She found joy in the simple things, family gatherings, long conversations at the Yahtzee table, and the comfort of a home cooked meal. She was the kind of person who remembered every birthday, collected photos of family members, was heavily involved in her grandkids and great grandkids worlds and always had room in her heart and home for just one more. Her strength and resilience shaped her family for generations, and her memory will continue to guide and inspire those who loved her most.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, 410 S. Main St. Benton, IL 62812.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 19th, at 11:00 AM at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home 410 S. Main St. Benton, IL 62812 with burial immediately following at Franklin Cemetery, Whittington, Illinois 62897.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com