Jo Conner

Services are scheduled for 2 pm Wednesday, March 8 at Hermosa Church of Christ for Jo Dell Conner of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mrs. Conner, 101, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023 in Artesia at Goodlife Senior Living and Memory Care.

Taylor Robles will officiate the services. Burial will follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Matthew Conner, Caton Conner, Matt Whitmire, Layton Whitmire, Ernie Grimlan, Grady Frost, Matt Brewer, and Jon Ross. Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary on Tuesday March 8 from 2 to 6 pm.

Jo was born on January 11, 1922 in Crowell, Texas; the daughter of William Yearl Grimlan and Ellen Clementine Gray Grimlan. At the age of 11, she came to reside in Artesia after spending the majority of her childhood on a ranch near Elida, New Mexico. Jo was a graduate of Artesia High School, class of 1940.

On August 26, 1941 she was married to Jack Conner. Together, they raised their two children, Connie and Perry in a loving home dedicated to serving Jesus Christ. Jo worked as a bookkeeper for for numerous local businesses including Conner Auto which she owned with her husband for several decades. When not at work, Jo was an active member of Hermosa Church of Christ and a member of the Altrusa Service Club for which she was an officer. In addition, she enjoyed fishing, spending time in the mountains, participating in bowling leagues, playing dominos and cards with her numerous friends, and enjoying the company of her family. Jo was also an accomplished china painter as well as an avid crocheter, a skill for which she was awarded several blue ribbons at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair.

Known affectionately as "Nannie" by her grandchildren, Jo was a willing caregiver to several family members throughout her life. She will always be remembered for the love, patience, grace, and affection she so richly bestowed upon those she loved. With an infectious laugh and a brilliant smile, Jo loved to be surrounded by people. Never short of things to talk about, she was one who made every person she encountered feel as if they were life-long friends.

Living a life of dedication to her children and grandchildren, Jo took the most pride in being with her family. Attending every sporting event, recital, concert, awards ceremony, and any other activity participated in by her grand children and great-grandchildren, Jo was an ever-present source of love, support, encouragement, and joy for her loved ones. While her life may have seemed ordinary to the outside world, the legacy of love she leaves behind is one that will endure for generations for those blessed to have been touched by her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, her 5 brothers and 6 sisters.

Survivors include her daughter Connie Conner of Artesia; son Perry Conner and wife Vana of Artesia; grandchildren Matthew Conner and wife Bailey of Wellington, Colorado, Kaci Whitmire and husband Matt of Artesia, Cayla Nelson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Caton Conner of Artesia, Kabryn Frost and husband Grady of Lubbock, Texas as well as great-grandchildren Layton Whitmire and Tynlee Whitmire of Artesia. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jo's family would also like to extend their most sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff and care providers at Goodlife for the love they showed to her during her time there. In addition, she was surrounded by lifelong friends at Goodlife including Dixie Pounds, Sue Prude, and Yvonne Polk who were dear to her and who will forever be part of Jo's story.