Thelma Lewis Connelly

THELMA LEWIS CONNELLY, formerly of Gillett, Ark, died October 23, 2019 at Woodland Hills Health and Rehab Center in Jacksonville, Ark. Thelma was the first of seven children born to Barnie B. and Azel Sullivan Lewis on June 4, 1923, in Ola, Ark. In 1925, the family moved to a farm in Moffett, Okla. In 1943, they lost their home in a flash flood and moved to Fort Smith, Ark. Thelma met the love of her life, Harold L. Connelly, of Gillett, while he was stationed at Ft. Chaffee. They were married February 3, 1944. He preceded her in death on March 26, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Lula Bea Zemansky and Daisy Levoy Hutto, three brothers: JW, Barnie Jr., and James. She is survived by one sister, Dorothy Lewis Connelly, a special niece, Dixie Turner, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gillett United Methodist Church or a charity of choice. We want to thank the staff of Woodland and Kindred Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate care given to Thelma. A memorial service will be held for Thelma on Wednesday, October 30, at 11 a.m., at Gillett United Methodist Church. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.