Lesta Conner

Lesta “Jay” Nave Conner, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2025 at Maury Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10th, from 12 to 2 at Williams Funeral Home, with the service following at 2:00 PM with Pastor Steven Sauls officiating. Lesta will be laid to rest at Polk Memorial Gardens. 

Born on December 11, 1932, in Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Cromwell Nave and the late Montra Howsare Nave. Jay graduated from Allegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland, where she met her lifelong friend Verna Moon. In 1958, she married Robert “Bobby” Conner. They shared 60 loving years together before his passing in 2018. Jay retired in 1997 from Fallston General Hospital, Bel Air, Maryland, with 25 years of service. Together, Jay and Bobby enjoyed antiquing on the weekends or a trip in the RV. After moving to Columbia, She and Bobby faithfully made the “bread run” every Friday for 12 years for the People's Table provided by First United Methodist Church of Columbia.

Jay, also called Mimie by her grandchildren, is survived by her daughter Terri Conner Kahl (Ken), two granddaughters Jamie Kahl, and Melissa Kahl Toombs (Jordan), 3 great grandchildren Layla Toombs, Isla Toombs and Mack Toombs. In addition to her parents and husband she is predeceased by brothers Alvin Nave, William Nave, James Nave, Joseph Nave, Clyde Nave. Sisters Anna Mae Hale, and Carol Nave.

“OUR LIFE TOGETHER HAD MEANING”

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Morning Pointe Lantern of Spring Hill for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association or First United Methodist Church of Columbia in Jay’s name. 

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.