Rovena Gail McConnell

My mom, Rovena Gail McConnell, passed away on March 21, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born on September 20, 1944, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to Edith Smyth DeFriese and Fred DeFriese, and she was their only child.

My mom had a simple childhood, but it was one she always spoke about with love. She remembered climbing trees, playing outside, helping her mom cook, and spending time with cousins and family. She loved holidays, church, and trips to Florida. She didn’t have everything, but she had enough—and she carried that appreciation for life with her always. She was bright, creative, and a truly talented artist.

After high school, she married Phil McConnell, Jr., and together they adopted my brother Hap and me. Being our mom was her greatest joy. She loved being at home with us and made our childhood special in ways that mattered—through books, music, games, creativity, and the way she made holidays feel magical. She gave us experiences, traditions, and memories that have stayed with us our whole lives.

We lived in Smyrna, Georgia, and later moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1976. That time was full of new experiences: cajun food and culture, scouting, and high school activities. In 1987, she returned to Cleveland, Tennessee, where she earned her associate degree and worked in a doctor’s office, at Magic Chef, and at K-Mart. In 2006, she moved to Calhoun, Georgia to be closer to me.

In her later years, I got the gift of spending more time with her. She loved being with me, my husband Allan, and especially her grandson, Patrick. She found happiness in the simple things—reading, crafting, gardening on her deck, and laughing at funny stories. She had a great sense of humor and could always find something to smile about. Some of her proudest moments were watching Allan or Patrick perform in various concerts, and she never missed a chance to support them. She was always proud of the work I did in education and loved to hear my stories.

In 2023, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and she faced it with strength and resilience, even on the hardest days.

To me, she was more than a mother—she was home. She was creative, funny, and loved any family time. She taught me how to find joy in simple things, how to create a life filled with meaning, and how to love deeply. I will miss her every day, but I will carry her with me in everything I do.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Mrs. Bonnie Vest officiating.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Rovena Gail McConnell.