MT. VERNON - Opal LaDon Connaway, 87, of McLeansboro, died 5:42 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011. She was born April 6, 1924, in Mt. Vernon, the daughter of Hulan and Myrtle (Bain) Gray. She married Billy Bob Connaway Nov. 2, 1941, in St. Charles, Mo.; he preceded her in death on May 3, 1981. Mrs. Connaway is survived by two daughters, Karen Cleveland and husband Barry of Crossville and Billie Ann Pearce and husband Dennis of Eldorado; two sons, Robert Connaway and wife Betty of McLeansboro and Larry Connaway and wife Patricia of Troy; a sister, Lucy Davis of Phoenix; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a grandson and two sisters, Doris Stanwyck and Betty Ridenhour. Mrs. Connaway was a homemaker. She was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. She loved to crochet, fish, travel and play with her grandchildren. Private family services will be conducted at a later date as per request of the deceased with Mary Erwin officiating. There will be no public visitation. Burial will be at Jordan Chapel Cemetery in Dix. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, Eldorado. Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, is in charge of all arrangements.Wed Dec 14, 2011, 08:00 AM CST