She was petite but carried herself with a quiet confidence that made her seem taller than she was. Her golden blonde hair, always impeccably styled, framed a face both delicate and determined.
There was an effortless elegance in the way she dressed—tailored but never fussy, classic yet modern. Though her frame was small, there was an undeniable strength in her posture, in the sharp glint of her eyes, and in the way she handled challenges with grace and unwavering resolve. She was the kind of woman who could command a room without raising her voice, who moved through life with purpose, charm, and an underlying fire that no one could mistake. She extended grace to everyone. Within her wisdom and understanding of life’s challenges, she believed God’s grace was invaluable.
Mrs. Mary Alice Conner grew up as an only child to one of Jackson Counties’ pioneer families, Robert Gray and Lelia Tims Holden. Growing up in a rural area outside of town, Mrs. Mary Alice deeply understood the challenges faced by children living on farms. As an adult, she eagerly lent a helping hand, ensuring they had clothing and food. Mrs. Judy Felts, a retired Newport school principal shared that Mrs. Mary Alice was always very kind to everyone. “She showed interest in not only my children, but the school children.” Mrs. Felts added, “She truly loved all the little ones and was an excellent dedicated Sunday School teacher with a Christian’s servant heart and rarely missed a Sunday. Her class could count on her to be smiling and asking each one about their activities, so they, in turn, rarely missed her class. Her influence was far reaching and long-lasting.”
She lived to the remarkable age of 95, playing a vital role in the growth of Newport and Jackson County through her dedication to various clubs and community organizations. Mrs. Mary Alice was a charter member of the Newport Garden Club and an active member of the Sisterhood of PEO, Chapter R. She found joy in playing duplicate bridge and was a devoted lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Newport, where she taught Sunday School for over fifty years. Her unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impact on her community. Pastor Greg Dills recalls, “She was a woman of great grace and elegance. When I came to Newport FBC ten years ago, she said, ‘I am so glad God has brought you to Newport! Now please don’t leave us.’ I look forward to seeing her in heaven someday. She was one of a kind.”
Depending on the relationship, some referred to her as Sweetheart, Mrs. Mary Alice, or Mrs. Conner. Endearing nicknames have a way of sticking and Sweetheart belonged to Mrs. Mary Alice for over 50 years. Her first-born grandchild, John Conner III, told the story of the first time he used the endearment for Mrs. Mary Alice. “I remember my dad using it when talking to my mother when I was around five years old. I thought the term was a perfect description of my grandmother. The next time I was at my grandparents’ home, I called out to her using it. When I found her she put her hands out and greeted me with a hug like she always did. It was a perfect name for her. From that point on, she was Sweetheart to everyone, especially my childhood friends.”
Mrs. Mary Alice and Mr. John Conner shared a remarkable 71 years of marriage, a partnership built on love, respect, and a shared commitment to their community. Together, they experienced, endured, and persevered through life’s challenges, always striving to move Newport and Jackson County forward. I can’t help but smile when I remember how Mrs. Mary Alice always referred to her husband by his full name—John Conner. It was more than just a habit; it was a reflection of deep affection and admiration, a sentiment that he wholeheartedly returned.
As a devoted wife and mother, she encouraged the growth of their family business, Holden-Conner. Under the leadership of her son, John Conner Jr., their farming operation expanded to more than 120,000 acres. Additionally, Greenway Equipment, a business built on their legacy, now includes 30 stores spanning parts of Missouri and Arkansas. Mrs. Mary Alice’s unwavering support and dedication played a vital role in shaping the success of their family and the community they loved.
The memories of her will carry on through the park constructed in her honor. The park located on the corner of Galeria Drive and Stegall Road and includes a playground, ball courts, walking track, dog park, pavilion, and zip line. It has proved to be a popular city park.
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