Ruby Lee Harrington Conner

RUBY LEE HARRINGTON CONNER born July 14, 1921, passed away naturally of old age in hospice care at home on May 11, 2023, at the age of 101 years.  Born and raised in North Hall County, Georgia, she was the youngest daughter of Sally Thompson and John C. Harrington.  Her siblings were Y.J. Harrington (Elizabeth), Sally Lou Canupp (Jerry), and W. Andrew “Ted” Harrington (Maude).  Ruby was married to Charles Carlton Conner for 67 years.  Preceding her in death were her parents, siblings, husband and two daughters, Ruby Carolyn (infant) and Janis Lynn Gilman (John). 

She is survived by two daughters Brenda Jean Conner, Carol Melissa Conner Roman (Phil), her grandson Jhaysin Andrew Gilman (Carissa A.), nieces Kay Armour and Pat O’Kelley, nephews Y.J. Harrington Jr., Jack Canupp (Carol), Jerry Canupp (Jacque), Don Canupp (Jennifer), and her brother Ted’s granddaughter Sally Smith (Randy) and his grandson, her birthday “twin,” Garry A. Wood.

Ruby was a happy child.  She walked the proverbial mile to Airline grammar school in North Hall County GA leaving her daily nickel with Mr. Roper at the country store in the morning and buying candy on the way home. She attended nearby Riverbend High School.  In 1942, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.  For the rest of her life, she was an avid UGA football fan.  She married Charles in 1943 and they spent their first years in Savannah GA during WWII, returning to live again in Gainesville, GA after the war ended.  In the country and then in town, she applied herself to being a loving wife and mother, becoming a capable homemaker by dedication of her home economics and sewing expertise.  Over the years, she also became known in Gainesville art circles for her exceptional artistic ability in several media, including watercolor, crochet, macrame, oriental brush painting, and especially porcelain china painting.  Ruby had skilled hands, a keen artistic eye and a creative mind.  Her art was a joy to her that she loved sharing.

Ruby was a member of the First Baptist Church when Reverend Bruce Fields was pastor, and she was a founding member of the Winsome Bible class.   In her later years, she traveled with William Jerry Head’s senior citizens travel FUN Club of Gainesville National Bank, which often included Rev. Fields and many church members.  She enjoyed the fellowship of the travel group, whether it was a local mystery trip or a grand European adventure.  Now she is taking life’s final trip.  It’s time to go home.

Her capable hands are folded and still.  She has paid her nickel ahead in full.  It’s time for candy.

In the days ahead, her laugh and sweet smile will become a memory and her genuine loving ways will be sorely missed.   We grieve the loss of our Mother and dearest friend.  We will cherish her love always with deepest, abiding respect. 

Graveside services will be held at Air Line Baptist Church Cemetery on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 11:00 am, the Reverend Bruce Fields officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia, to Meals on Wheels or to the organization of one’s choice. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Hwy SW, Gainesville, GA 30501 is in charge of arrangements.