Ella "Jean" Thaxton Conerly, 90, entered the arms of her loving Savior on August 12, 2020. A life celebration will be held graveside at Woodlawn Cemetery on August 15, 2020, with the Reverend Tom Thurman officiating. (Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at a graveside service at the Woodlawn Cemetery on August 15, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.)

Jean was born to Etta Mae Rogers Thaxton and Clarence Elbert Thaxton on April 1, 1930. After graduating as Valedictorian of Columbia High School, she received a diploma in nursing from the Gilfoy School of Nursing at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Jean began her career as a nurse in 1951, and prior to her retirement in 1990, she served as the Director of Nursing for the Methodist Hospital of Marion County. She was also a long-time and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Columbia and the Mary Sunday School class.

Jean shined by serving others. She loved cooking and sharing meals, baking caramel cakes, and cutting toenails for friends in need. She also enjoyed watching the squirrels, birds, and rabbits in her backyard, reading the newspaper and Billy Graham books, and gardening. Jean valued hard work, was firm but fair, and never hesitated to roll up her sleeves to do anything she also asked of others. Her world circled around her family, and she left an impression on all she met.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harolyn Lindy Conerly; her long-time companion, Hugh Lokey; and her dearest sister, Mildred Pittman.

Her survivors include her daughter, Cindy (Tom) Longo of Columbia; granddaughters, Jennifer (Randall) Sims of Columbus, Mississippi, and Mamie Longo and Molly Longo of Hattiesburg; her great-grandchildren, Ella Margaret Sims, Emma Grace Sims, and Levi Sims, all of Columbus, Mississippi; her brother, Billy Jack (Dee) Thaxton of Tampa, Florida; and her "in-law," Pat Purvis of Columbia.

Pallbearers were Robert Bourne, Dr. Robert Herrington, Reed Houston, Richard Lokey, Dobie Woodson and Carlton Thornhill.

During her illness, Jean was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Cindy; granddaughter, Molly; Annice Martin; Debbie Merritt; and the caregivers at Encompass Home Health and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church's building fund.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.