Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Mrs. Erma Mae Lear Connelly, 92, a longtime resident of Greenville, who died on Monday, Oct. 6, at her residence in Finger, Tenn. Burial follow in Alva-Parker Cemetery near Duck Hill. The Rev. Jonathon Toler officiated. The family received friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday, Oct.11, at McKibben and Guinn.
Born in Indianola, Mrs. Connelly lived most of her life in Greenville. She worked at the 5 & Dime when she met her future husband, Officer Walter Connelly with the Greenville Police Department. She then worked at the Greenville Mills and after that opened one of the first children’s daycares in the area, and was famous throughout the town as Aunt Erma. Mrs. Connelly and her husband then opened one of the first security guard company’s in Greenville, which they ran for more than 30 years. While running the security company, Erma was over the airport security for Southern Airlines at the Greenville Airport where she met many individuals including some celebrities.
Mrs. Connelly was a devoted Christian and attended church regularly. A mother of five daughters, which many knew by their names, Linda Faye, Brenda Maye, Glenda Kaye, Cinda Gaye and Derenda Jaye, Mrs. Connelly definitely ruled the roost at home, but was always involved in every aspect of their lives. After her and her husband retired, they moved to Duck Hill. She was a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Known as Granny by all, she loved making many of their favorite dishes when they visited, especially lasagna. After her husband passed away, she moved to Jackson, Tenn., to be closer to her remaining daughters.
Pallbearers were Zack Troutt, Andy Troutt, Alex Strong, William Strong, Collin Strong, Nicholas Strong and Bo Hood.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
