Nancy Atkins Connelly

Nancy Carolyn Atkins Connelly, age 78, a resident of Columbia passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, October 5, 2018 at her residence.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12noon on Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Columbia with Bishop Robin Spencer officiating. Burial will follow in Jones Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 4-8pm at Heritage Funeral Home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born March 13, 1940 in Benham, Harlan County, KY, she was the daughter of the late William and Vivian Smith Atkins and wife of Gary Connelly, who she worshiped for 53 years. She worked as the assistant to the senior vice president of Service Merchandise as a legal assistant and executive secretary for Chrysler as her first job out of High School. Her husband said that she was beautiful inside and out, an expert in grammar and memory. Her hobbies were sun tanning at the beach or pool, swimming with her family and caring for her children and grandchildren. Her favorite memories were with her family at Christmas and Halloween.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her sons: Wayne Eric (Becki) Connelly of Columbia, Jay Casey (Karen) Connelly of Antioch and Fredric Alan (Jessica) Connelly of Spring Hill; sisters: Martha Monson of Crossville and Kathy Nolte of Knoxville; 9 grand children and 5 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son: Sean Lane; a brother: Elvin Atkins; sister: Barbara Atkins; grandchildren: Emily Lorraine Connelly and Kristina Renee Connelly; and brother: Rick Atkins.

Pallbearers will be Jason Connelly, Beau Connelly, Aaron Connelly, Jacob Connelly, Randy Fox and Joe Maples.