Lois Paulk McConnell

Lois Paulk McConnell, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 10, sons by her side.

Born on Valentine’s Day on her family’s farm in Savannah, Tennessee, Lois embodied a life of deep faith, lifelong learning, and unwavering devotion to family and community. A passionate educator, she believed that to teach well one must always remain a student.

For more than 80 years, Lois read daily—delighting in novels, biographies, history, current events, and anything that stirred her curiosity. Even on her final day, she was turning the pages of a new novel by a favorite author.

Over a remarkable 32-year teaching career, Lois guided more than 3,000 students—most in eighth-grade English, Literature, and History—instilling in them a love of learning and a sense of possibility. Summers often found her leading students on educational trips to Alaska, Canada, England, and France. Many of those young people went on to become community and business leaders, and she eventually taught several second generation students. Even 25 years after retirement, so many former pupils stopped to greet her in public places that it became a family joke. Lois never failed to recognize a student even years later - and she always remembered each one's name.

Her love of learning was matched by her love of travel. She explored the world, formed enduring friendships, and kept in touch with international pen pals through her elegant cursive handwriting. A true community presence, she belonged to numerous clubs—including the DAR, Centennial Club, sewing and bridge groups, and multiple book clubs at once. For more than 80 years, Lois was also an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, where in her twenties she and her sister Elba Ann founded a youth program that still thrives today.

Lois shared a long and loving marriage of more than six decades with her cherished husband, Robert, whose steadfast partnership gave her strength throughout life and comfort even after his passing two years ago.

Lois lived by the values of honesty, kindness, and respect. Her deep faith gave her strength, peace, and serenity as she faced life’s challenges—and, ultimately, her own mortality.

She is survived by her sons Eric, Branch, and Robert; daughter-in-law Giulia; granddaughter Freya; sisters Aleeta Joy and Elba Ann; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Lois’s life will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church on September 21 at 2 p.m., followed by visitation.