Saundra Jean Conner Howard, eighty years of age, slipped peacefully into Heaven on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Saundra was born on April 19, 1942 in Lynch, Kentucky, to Albert Thomas Conner and Tyre Wincye Steffey Conner. She lived in the Tri City area most of her life. Saundra and her sisters, fondly referred to as "The Conner Girls", helped their mother for many years with dinners and events at the Lynch Country Club. They also helped look after their beloved Lynch United Methodist Church for a number of years. She loved being part of decorating the church for holidays and singing in the choir. After graduating from Lynch High School in 1960, Saundra moved to Washington, DC, followed by several years spent living in Indiana. Upon returning to Lynch, she took a job working for Sears, Roebuck and Company, where she worked for nineteen years as an assistant manager. During this time, she was raising her three children: Missy, Chris, and Conner. Her calling and role in life was taking care of others. She cared for her parents for many years before they passed away and then she was a babysitter for and loved on many, many children whose parents entrusted Saundra with their little ones. Those children became a part of Saundra's world and she kept in touch with many of her 'babies' over the years. If you were fortunate enough to be in her "world" then you were given the very best.

Saundra had a gift of decorating and she thoroughly enjoyed interior design. She could turn a house into a beautiful home. She was also an avid sports fan (any sport) but loved her Kentucky Wildcat Basketball team above all others.

Saundra was a strong woman, not only strong in will but strong in her faith. She loved Jesus and was a believer from a very young age and you knew it. She lived out her faith every day. She was trustworthy, steadfast, faithful, and loved her family more than anything. Her favorite title was 'Grammy'. She also loved Christmas, the reason for Christmas, and made the season magical for everyone. She was the glue that held the family together. Saundra's passing leaves a huge void which cannot be filled. She will be missed by many.

Saundra is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Wincye Conner; a sister, Phyllis 'Doots' Maggard; and a brother-in-law, James 'Jim' Maggard.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Missy Lassalle and husband, Sean, of Wake Forest, NC, Chris Early and wife, Kelli, of Cumberland, KY, Conner Cornett and wife, Kelly, of Richmond, KY; a sister, Brenda K. Sizemore and husband, Doug, of Knoxville, TN; a brother, William 'Buck' Conner and wife, Barbara, of Columbus, OH; cousins who were as close as a sister and brother, Wanda Brown and Wayne Brown; five grandchildren: Nicholas Early (Brooke), Colin Early (Chelsea), Jonathon Lassalle, Brenna Early, Grace Lassalle; four nieces: Beth, Jamie, Kammie, Kellie; her church family; a host of extended relatives, the golden bulldog family and many dear friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to her special caregivers, Debbie Letanosky and Beth Conner.

According to Ms. Saundra's wishes, she will be cremated and a Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the Central Baptist Church in Cumberland, KY at 5:00pm. Family and friends may gather from 3:00-5:00 to pay their respects.  Reverend Roger Colinger will be officiating.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve Ms. Saundra Howard's family.

Saundra loved to send cards to family and friends. She always ended her notes with the same message and she ends her life the same…..

"God Loves You and I Love You. Too"