Felma Lanning Conner

Arden ~ It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Felma Lanning Conner, 95, of Pinner Road, died Saturday, 15 March 2025, in a local hospital. Mrs. Conner was born 6 February 1930 in Henderson County, NC and was the daughter of the late Elbert and Ida Case Lanning. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Vernon Conner; a sister, Florene Pinner; and three brothers, Walter, Wade, and Wallace Lanning.

Felma worked in the T.C. Roberson school lunchroom for many years and enjoyed serving students with her culinary skills. She later worked at Eaton Corporation until she retired. She was also a member of Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden, and in retirement, volunteered in the former café and assisted in preparing meals for ministries. Felma had an extraordinary green thumb and loved tending her vegetable garden, shrubbery, and flowers, particularly red roses. She found joy in carefully preparing meals for family and friends, fostering community around the table. She was also an exceptional baker, cultivating beautiful doll cakes for granddaughters and sweets that will remain timeless traditions at family celebrations.

Felma was an avid coffee and sweet tea enthusiast. She enjoyed reading, particularly the Bible, and cherished time with family watching movies, solving a jigsaw puzzle, playing rummy, picnicking, and vacationing at the beach. She expressed creativity and thoughtfulness through writing, including two published articles, and was often found sending cards and letters to family and friends.

Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Bradford and husband, John, of Fletcher; two sons, Gary Conner and wife, Wilma, of Hendersonville and Mike “Butch” Conner of Arden; two granddaughters, Tiffanee Gwaltney and husband, Jeremy, of Goshen, IN and Sarah Bradford of Chapel Hill; two grandsons, Jason Conner and wife, Leigh Ann, of Etowah and Brian Bradford and wife, Lee, of Irving, TX; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 21, 2025 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Kelvin Moseley officiating. The family extends many thanks to Care Partners for all their support on behalf of Felma Conner.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations may be made by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Further information is also available at: St. Jude Memorial Giving.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.