Alice Chapman Conner

Alice Chapman Conner, 99, long-time resident of Signal Mountain and Chattanooga, went home to her Lord on Wednesday, April 23, at home after a lengthy illness. Alice had a powerful, unshakable faith, which she modeled through her creativity, generosity and quiet consistency. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, J. Silas Conner, Jr., mother Helena Turner Chapman, father Mark DeFoor Chapman, sisters Helena (Dixie) Wood and Mary Williams, and brothers Mark DeFoor Chapman II and James (Bob) Chapman. Alice is survived by son Rick (Haven) Conner, and daughters Becky Conner and Flo Conner (Bob) Stagner, grandchildren Greer Patterson and Caroline (Chad) Gregory, and great-grandchild Conner Mason Gregory, along with a number of nieces, nephews, grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews. Alice was a long-time member of Signal Crest United Methodist Church, well-known for her artistic flower arrangements for the Altar Guild, most notably, her yearly interpretation of the Thanksgiving Cornucopia. She was also much loved by several generations of children who eagerly participated in her Sunday School and Vacation Bible School crafts activities and by members who helped create table arrangements to raise money for the annual Recipe Luncheon. Alice was active in many Signal Mountain organizations, including the Evening Garden Club and the Community Guild, which honored her as its 2001 Woman of the Year for her service to the community and her love of nature. As a gifted artist, Alice was able to transform the simplest materials -- aluminum cans, paints and mountain rocks -- to create unique tole flower arrangements of her favorite native wildflowers and beloved dogwood blooms, first as gifts for neighbors, then as a small business with her husband, Silas. She was further honored by the Tennessee Governor's Mansion, which commissioned her to create a large arrangement of Tennessee’s state flower, the Iris, for one of its public rooms. Memorial contributions may be made to Signal Crest United Methodist Church, 1005 Ridgeway Ave., Signal Mountain, TN 37377. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, TN 37419. A private service and burial will be held at Chattanooga Memorial Park, with Rev. Josh Kilborne officiating. A memorial service to celebrate her life is planned for a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.lanefh.com