Mary Elizabeth Connelly Jenné
May 27, 1942 - November 17, 2024
Mary Elizabeth Connelly Jenné, age 82 of Collierville, Tenn., passed away on November 17, 2024. She was born in Little Rock, Ark., to Jonnie Branton Connelly and William Allen Connelly.
Mary enjoyed growing up in Arkansas, although, she faced a profound loss when her younger brother, Michael Connelly, died as a child from leukemia. During this challenging time, Mary's parents devoted much of their energy to caring for Mike. Mary traveled from her home in Walnut Ridge, Ark., to Little Rock, Ark., home of her Aunt Mary and Uncle "Doge" Goldsmith B. Oliver, who stepped in to help raise her. Their guidance and love gave Mary strength and resilience and exposed her to competitive field trials and horses. Her aunt and uncle imparted many valuable life lessons, and her affinity for dogs and horses remained throughout her life.
Mary and her mother, Jonnie, moved from Walnut Ridge, Ark. to Memphis, where she graduated from East High School in 1960 and then attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Memphis.
Mary and Woodford C. "Woody" Jenné, III raised children on Sycamore Grove Lane in East Memphis. When their children were young, they moved to Holly Springs, Miss. For over 30 years, Mary called Holly Springs home, where she made lifelong friends. In 1996, with her characteristic independence and pioneering spirit, she relocated to Collierville, Tennessee, becoming one of the first residents in her neighborhood which she dearly loved.
Mary was a woman of good humor and grace. She was an avid reader with an appreciation for music, theater, art, and was an unapologetic Elvis fan. Her travels worldwide broadened her horizons but never diminished her love for home. She was as comfortable in a flannel shirt carrying firewood as her favorite Hermès scarf, discussing art history or attending Broadway plays with her granddaughters.
Mary remained a proud and faithful Christian from serving in the altar guild at Christ Episcopal Church in Holly Springs to her membership at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Collierville. She owned and operated the Bell Book and Candle gift shop in Holly Springs, and later used her retail experience as a volunteer at the gift shop in the Collierville hospital for nearly a decade. Through acts of service or making new friends, Mary treated everyone she met with kindness and respect.
Mary is survived by her son, Christopher Jenné, and wife, Betty, of Blue Springs, Miss.; her daughter, Elizabeth "Lisa" Jenné Zodin; and her husband, Scott, of Austin, Texas. She was the proud grandmother of Mary Alexandra "Allie" Zodin of Austin, Texas, and Anna Zodin Faulkner, and her husband, Nathan of Austin, Texas.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will remember her for her fierce independence, good humor, and unyielding spirit she carried throughout her life.
A memorial service honoring her life will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 106 Walnut Street, Collierville, TN, on December 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. Visitation with the family to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
paid obituary