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Mildred Lucille Conar

Mildred Lucille \"Lucy\" Conar

Nov. 20, 2012

Mildred Lucille \"Lucy\" Conar, 78, of Athens, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at NHC Health Care of Athens.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Elmer Grady and Mary Sue Gudger Clark, and was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Earl Conar Sr.; and three sisters, Irene Clark, Elsie Mason and Opal Clark. She taught school in the Athens City School System for 25 years at Ingleside and North City schools.

Even though her teaching career started late, it soon became obvious that she was a natural born teacher. She inspired many fourth and fifth graders to love learning. During her years at Ingleside, the school won not one, but two National Excellence in Education Awards. She was instrumental in helping the school achieve the distinction. The trip to Washington, D.C., to accept the second award was very special to her.

She was a caring and creative teacher who made learning fun. Many of her students will remember the songs, stories and unique activities she used to help them learn the skills essential to lead full and productive lives. Most of all, they will remember that she truly cared for each one of them in a special way. She was loved and respected by the administrators, faculty and staff at both Ingleside and North City.

Her early retirement due to illness was a great loss to the Athens City School System. However, there are many students, teachers, parents and staff members whose lives have been enriched by her years of teaching.

She was a member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, where taught Sunday school for 16 years and was a member of the Suzzanna Wesley Circle.

Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, Thomas Earl \"Tec\" Conar Jr. and his wife, Marcia, of Dayton, Steve Conar of Athens, and Michael and Rachel Conar of Sweetwater; one sister, Ella Mae Maynard of Petaluma, Calif.; two grandchildren, Samuel Thomas Conar and Anna Grace Conar; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Ogle Wattenbarger officiating. Burial will follow in McMinn Memory Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Tec Conar, Steve Conar, Michael Conar, Wesley Conar, Samuel Thomas Conar, Jack Underdown, Richard Leamon and Paul Ketron.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send condolences at www.laycock-hobbs.com

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.