Dorothy Joyce Conner

1939 - 2017

CONNER Dorothy Joyce Conner, 78, passed away on October 3, 2017 in the presence of loving family members and has begun her eternity of joy with our savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Joyce was born on January 9, 1939 in Lennox, Georgia. She was loved by her natural parents, Willie George Rentz and Louise Cannady as well as her beloved step-father Robert Felberg. Her loving husband of 57 years, James Arthur Conner, passed away on September 4, 2012. She is survived by her children, Pam, Jerry, Kevin, Tonya, Tommy, Jon and Mike; brother, Rev., Dr., Derrell Rentz, sisters Deborah Schlesinger , and Cindy Cortez. She had 17 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, all of whom were her pride and joy. Joyce lived life to the fullest and made so many friends during her life it would be impossible to count or name them all. The truth is that she never met a stranger. Her greatest attribute was her love, devotion and advocacy for children. She was a rocker of babies. Her sense of humor brought instant joy to anyone who spent time with her and her ability to make people laugh was a blessing to all. She was a foster parent to over a hundred children. She was a housewife, teacher, hospital and school volunteer as well as a graduate of clown school adopting her clown persona, Precious. She loved to cook, knit, crochet, read and solve various forms of puzzles. She loved to talk to people, collect books, tea pots and gnomes. She loved to spend time with her entire family and loved to be on the go. She enjoyed traveling and cruises as well as just sitting at home and chatting. She will be missed by all who knew her, but her light will shine on forever in the joyful stories and memories that she left for all of us. On behalf of all her family we would like to express our appreciation to her daily care taker, Deborah Smalley, who loved and cared for her with gentleness, kindness and compassion. Thank you as well to the Mayo Clinic Dialysis Center and the many doctors and nurses who cared for her. Interment will take place at 9:30 A.M. Friday, October 6, 2017 at Jacksonville National Cemetery followed by the Funeral Service at 11 A.M at Highlands Presbyterian Church, 10900 McCormick Road, Jacksonville, Fl. 32225 with Reverend Donnie Hutto officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl 32211.