Janet Cason Connell, 91, of Tryon, N.C., passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and loved ones on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017.

She was born on Feb. 15, 1925 in Chula, Ga., the daughter of the late Cecil and Hallie Neville Cason.

Raised in Tifton, Ga., Mrs. Connell moved to Atlanta, Ga., where she met her future husband, Thomas Connell. They were married in 1949 and shared 52 loving years together until he passed away in 2001. The couple led an adventurous life, traveling all over the world while living in Atlanta, Belleair, Fla., Devon, England, Mooresburg Tenn., and Highlands, N.C. They settled in Tryon in the early 1980s.

Mrs. Connell, affectionately known as “Mama” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her bout with polio at an early age strengthened her spirit and her appreciation for all of life’s blessings

She loved family reunions, get-togethers and holidays; any chance to spend time with her beloved family was very important to her. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed playing bridge, walking at Harmon Field and reading. An active member of the community, she was an active supporter of Hospice, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Luke’s Hospital. She was an active member of Tryon Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Connell is remembered for her infectious kindness, her generosity, sparking sense of humor and graceful nature. She will be missed by many.

Janet is survived by her two sons, Philip Cason Connell (Gail McMahon Connell) and K. Bruce Connell (Beverley Connell); a brother, Cecil “Buck” Cason; beloved family friend Elizabeth Steen, her grandchildren, Jennifer Cason Connell Kiiss, Brian Thomas Connell, Catharine H. Connell, and Nancy Janet Connell; two step-grandchildren, Lucy G. Conaway and Michael P. Conaway, and six great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Thomas Connell, and two sisters, Mary Butler and Sarah Lowrey.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Feb. 25, 2017 in McFarland Funeral Chapel with Dr. Dent Davis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials may be kindly made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.