Edna Buzbee Connell, 95, passed away on December 13, 2018, at the Community Hospice Center, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born in Gulf City, Florida and is a lifelong resident of Florida. Her father was a commercial fisherman that kept his boat at Cockroach Bay in Tampa Bay.
She was a long-time member of the Four Square Church in Ruskin, Florida, and served as a Deacon for many years. One of her very favorite Scriptures was Proverbs 31:10 -31 which speaks about the Virtuous Women. According to her family, she definitely was that.
Her husband made a living as a rancher and owned commercial greenhouses. They grew tomato plants and many other vegetable plants. She worked packing Gladiolas in Sun City for many years.
Edna loved her family and enjoyed being around all of them. Her favorite time of year was Christmas and her house was always open for Family. Being a native Florida, she loved to fish and of course enjoyed smoked mullet, crabs, shrimp and oysters. Edna also crocheted. She made things for all of the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nebraska and Hattie Leoni Buzbee; her husband, Theodore R. Connell, Sr.; son, Theodore R. Connell, Jr.; brother, Nebraska Buzbee, Jr.; and sisters, Loretta Merrell and Cedella Pellum. She is survived by sons, Leo F. and his wife Debbie Connell of Pinellas Park, Florida; Leonard L. and his wife Roberta of Jacksonville and Donald T. and his wife Gloria Connell of Ruskin, Florida; daughters, Mertice R. Sherwood of Sun City, Florida and Linda J. and her husband Bill Durden of Etowah, Tennessee; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren and thirty-four great-great-grandchildren and her “Best Friend” Emily Vergo.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Southside Baptist Church, 4208 US Highway 41, Ruskin, Florida. A Public Viewing will start at 10:00AM and will be followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00AM. She will be buried at the Gulf City Cemetery in Ruskin, Florida, following the Funeral Service.
There was never a time when I saw you, that you didn’t know the love and respect I had for you. I am better for having you as my Granny and will always cherish our sweet memories. I love you dearly and I will miss you. Until we meet again, Love Yancy
Granny C., you will truly be missed. We all have a lifetime of memories to treasure,your home was always open and table always had great food. Everyone was family no one was a stranger in your home. God has called you home for rest and peace all his Angels are praising a loud shout job well done Edna B. Connell. Granny C. Thank you for the memories and family love.God Bless Barbara
What a home going! I know you were welcomed with open arms by all our family in Heaven. I love you and will remember you always. For the family, I will be praying for you all and send y’all my love. Wish I could be there. Love y’all and God bless y’all.