Grace Pearl McConnell

Grace Pearl McConnell, 99, of Huntsville, Ark., died Jan. 19, 2013, at Meadowview Healthcare and Rehab at Huntsville. She was born Jan. 31, 1913, at Ball Creek, Ark. the daughter of John and Margaret Griffin Parker. She was a homemaker and the widow of Jessie Wallace "Hooter" McConnell, who preceded her on Dec. 13, 1982. She was also preceded in death by six brothers, Arthur Parker, Thomas Parker, Harve Parker, Chester Parker, Roy Boudrey and Floyd Boudrey; and four sisters, Minnie Hughes, Lee Sisemore, Roby Rogers and Holley Parker. Aunt Grace spent her life caring for others. She had no children of her own, but helped feed and clothe many nieces, nephews and anyone that she thought needed it. When you stopped by to see "Aunt Grace," she would always say, "Have you ate yet or are you hungry?" She could have a full meal on the table in 30 minutes. She was a hard worker and always had a sewing or upholstery project going plus milking cows, raising pigs, gardening and canning. She loved to fish and play Pitch. She always had a smile or a hug for everyone she met. To her everyone was family, or maybe, she just made us all feel that way. She could make you laugh, laugh with you even when the joke was on her. She was so much fun to be around. Come Christmas Time she made sure every kid she knew had a gift under the tree, even if it was only a stick of candy or an orange. Some of my fondest memories are when she would come to visit, she would bring saltine crackers and chocolate cream drops. She loved sweets. She was a great cook and her coconut cream was everyone's favorite. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 in the Brashears Funeral Home chapel with Elder Jim Duncan officiating. Interment will be in the Huntsville Cemetery under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home, www.brashearsfuneralhome.net, at Huntsville. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Davis, Michael Davis, Lance Davis, Brent Holland, Dakota Sloan and Jackson Sloan. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Holden, Earl Burkes, Howard Boudrey, Jack Boudrey, Brent Tillery, Harlin Houston and Carl Sloan. Visitation will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home with the family present. The family wishes to express their thanks to Meadowview Healthcare and Rehab for their devoted care of Grace.