Elizabeth June "Betty" (Willis) Conner

Elizabeth June Willis Conner (Betty) died February 12, 2013 at home from complications of metastatic breast cancer just days prior to her 69th birthday. She was born in 1944 in Lexington, KY to Maurice Porter Willis (deceased) and Eva Lillian Rowe Willis. In addition to her mother she is survived by her husband of 47 years, Anthony (Tony); her sons and their wives ( Andrew and Leigh; Joshua and Jeanne); her grandchildren (Elizabeth, Madeline, Katana, Eden, and Duncan); her great grandchild (Owen); her siblings (David, Tom, Deborah, and Nancy); and numerous extended family and friends. Betty's presence will be missed very much by all of us but her love and concern for each of us will remain throughout our lives. She was a graduate of Robert E. Lee H.S., Montgomery, AL; Newcomb College of Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (B.A. - French); and The University of Wisconsin-Madison (M.S. - Educational Psychology with a specialty in gifted education). At Tulane University she participated in the Junior Year Abroad Program, studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She was co-founder of EAGLE School located in Madison, WI, which is dedicated to the education of gifted children, kindergarten through 8th grade. Betty served as Co-Director and as President of the Board of Directors for 28 years. EAGLE School is her continuing legacy to gifted education. She was always very proud that EAGLE School played a part in the education of numerous students, many of whom have gone on to further academic and professional success. She retired in 2010 and moved to Athens, GA to be closer to family. In Athens she became an avid quilter. Betty was a member of First Baptist Church, Madison, WI and of First Baptist Church, Athens, GA. In her own words she "had a wonderful and fulfilling life." A memorial service to celebrate Betty's life will be held in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church, 355 Pulaski Street, Athens, GA at 3 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013 with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. She continues to live through the lives of her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandson. Flowers may be sent to Lord and Stephens, EAST, 4355 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605. Suggested recipients of memorials in her honor are EAGLE School of Madison, 5454 Gunflint Trail, Madison, WI 53711; The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support, Athens Regional Foundation, 1199 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606; or your local hospice organization.
Lord and Stephens, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements.