Connie Carter Ellett of Fayetteville died Friday (Jan. 27, 2012) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. She was 61. A native of Lincoln County, she was the daughter of the late James Boyd and Rebecca Ann Locker Carter. She was a member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church and a longtime bookkeeper with CFW Construction Co., Scivally Grain Co., and H20 Construction.
Mrs. Ellett is survived by her husband, Charles Rhan (Ranny) Ellett, and one son, Charles Hayes Ellett, both of Fayetteville; one sister Lucy Carter Williams and husband Ricky of Fayetteville; four brothers, Jimmy Carter and wife Mary, David Carter and wife Delora, Brent Carter and wife Margie, all of Coldwater and Chris Carter and wife Courtney of Athens, Ala.; lifelong friend Cary Bagley Sullivan of Fayetteville; and a host of nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many loved cousins and friends, including her dear friends in the Monday and Wednesday night bridge clubs. She was preceded in death by her brother, Mark Hayes Carter.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at Higgins Funeral Home with the Rev. Tommy Ward officiating. Niece Mackenzie Carter of Nashville and nephew Rob Carter of Fayetteville also eulogized their Aunt Connie. Burial followed at Carter Hills Cemetery in Coldwater. Memorial donations may be made to Fayetteville First United Methodist Church or Coldwater United Methodist Church, % Judy Fowler, 79 Hovis Bend Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Dear Family,
My deepest love and sympathy to all of you in the loss of your precious Connie. It was so good to see all of you when Becky died–such a sad time but also a glad reunion with people I love and care about. I have cared for Mother for many years now, but I had hoped to renew my relationship with all of you in the next few years. Connie and I were the same age. When we used to visit Grandmother Corder at Corders Crossroads, we often got to see Connie and Lucy. If Becky brought Aunt Beulah to the house, they often came with them. Boys weren’t as interested in family gatherings at that age, so we didn’t get to see you as much. For a couple of years, you made a great effort to host the Corder reunion and keep us in each others lives. I wish that we had continued those reunions. I wish that I could have been there to offer my love and support but 20 days ago Mother had a stroke followed by a heart attack six days later. She is still with us, but she is very weak and tired with many medical issues. I have a good family, friend, and church support, but I do know what you have suffered. Know that neither time nor distance prevents me from loving all of you. Connie was so beautiful inside and out, and I know that she was a great blessing to your lives. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, for I know the days ahead will be hard. God is good, and He loves us all. He knows our heartaches and understands our trials. If we keep our belief and trust in Him, someday He will make all things plain.
Much love,
‘
LaVerne
Hayes,
My heart goes out to you and your father. Connie was a sweet and caring mother. She kept in touch with me when you were in my Econ. class. I was so glad to get to reconnect with her then. You are in my prayers.
Donna Dyer
To my dearest family,
some things I’d like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there’s no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, “I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They’ll be here later on.”
God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day’s chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you…
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o’er.
I’m closer to you now,
than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I’d like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who’s in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night…
“My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented…
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.
God says: “If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind.”
“And when it’s time for you to go…
from that body to be free.
Remember you’re not going…
you’re coming here to me.”
I am so sorry for your loss. Connie was a very nice person. WE went to school together and graduated together. Earths’ loss is Heavens’ gain. May God Bless you.
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry The way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready, In heaven far above, And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye For all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for, So much left yet to do, It almost seemed impossible That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, Just even for a while, I’d say good-bye and kiss you And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, That this could never be, For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heavens Gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity, And all I’ve promised you. Today your life on earth is past, But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last, And since each day’s the same way There’s no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, So trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things You knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven And now at last you’re free. So won’t you come and take my hand And share my life with me?”
So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart, For every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart.
So very sorry to hear about Connie. I know that she has been fighting a long hard battle for a while. She will surely be missed by so many people. I will always remember her wonderful smile and her great sense of humor & distinctive laugh. She could make the world smile. My prayers of peace and wonderful memories go out to her immediate family, her extended family and close friends.
Sincerely,
Sherry
From Dana Lee and Greg Jennings: May God wrap His loving arms around Connie and bring her closer to Him each day. Your family will continue to be in our prayers each day. We are so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the husband, son and family of Connie. I remember Connie as a very dear and sweet perso, always smiling. I am sorry for your lose but know that she is in a better place with no pain or sorrow.
Our community has lost a beautiful citizen as the result of a horrific accident. How horrible for such a wonderful person to suffer so much but we must not question why, only look to Our Father in Heaven for stength to endure. Life is not always easy and that is when our faith is challenged. I have no doubt that Connie faced her trials with firm determination for she had a wonderful family and support group surrounding her. Her husband and son were her rock to cling to, along with her strong determination and faith. Brenda Ables did such a wonderful job in describing her I won’t even attempt it. I so fondly remember working with Connie in the CHS Library with Mrs. Lindsay and Faye Walker. We did a lot of giggling and snickering those days. Connie was always so sweet to me and we had a lot of conversations that revealed her inner beauty. As the years passed she became even more beautiful in every way.. She had that million dollar smile and you always knew she would have kind words for you. Such a treasure she was to know. How could she not be that way with a Mom and Dad like hers! Becky was a Locker from Booger Holler and my Mother was a Locker before marriage. Funny how our communities have Booger Holler, Poor house Road, Bug Tussell Road, Hotrock and Coldwater. Hayes, you can do research on this if you wish. Should be interesting. Rest in peace, dear Connie and enjoy your reward promised us for living a good life and fighting the good fight. Love, Rexine.
My heart hurts because our dear Connie is no longer here, but rejoices that she is free of pain. Ranny and Hayes, she loved you so much! You know that, as she made sure you knew every day. You stayed with her and never left her side. May God give you comfort as you prepare to go on without her, as she would have wanted. She was a special person. Over forty years of memories, and she will always be the fun loving girl I knew in college in my mind. She is free of the pain she suffered so bravely. She fought the good fight, and as she told us, she was ready to go. There is rejoicing in heaven as Connie joins her family there.
With love,
Brenda