Donna Hodges Conner, age 78 of Roanoke, Virginia passed away January 2, 2023 peacefully in her home after a long illness. 

Donna was born on September 28, 1944 in Roanoke, VA to Curtis and Flossie Hodges.  She and her three siblings grew up as a loving family in a small 2 bedroom/1 bathroom house.   She attended William Byrd High School and went on to work at GE.  It was then that she met a handsome Virginia Tech student, Jim Conner, who became the love of her life for the next 50 years. 

They had two children, Angela Conner Fisch (excitedly) and Jeffrey Conner (reluctantly)  *family joke.   Her young family spent most of their time in the North Lakes community, where they spent late nights playing bridge with neighbors, went to the pool, played tennis and bowled, took family trips to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head and she proudly drove her Trans Am (dreaming of Burt Reynolds).  While raising the kids, she sold Mary Kay cosmetics, painted, crafted, built dollhouses, knitted – she loved anything creative.  After the kids went to college, she opened a shop called Countryside Gifts where she channeled more creativity through flower arrangements and home décor.  

Donna’s real passion however was her family.   Angela and Brian had one daughter, Lauren Nicole Fisch (princess) and Jeff and Dori had two boys, James Chase Conner (favorite) and Campbell Young Conner (the baby).   They were her bright light and she created family traditions that will live on for years to come.  

Jim and Donna celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2014.   When Jim passed away in 2020, it broke her heart and she was never quite the same without him.  She is now reunited with him and smiling down from heaven.

Donna was predeceased by Curtis and Flossie Hodges.  She is survived by her siblings, Annette Hodges, Carolyn Hodges Campbell (and husband Pete) and Walt Hodges.  Her children, Angela Conner Fisch and Jeff Conner (and wife Dori).  Her grandchildren, Lauren Fisch Ratteree (and husband Michael), Chase Conner and Camp Conner and many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Services will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at Southview United Methodist Church in Roanoke, Virginia

The family would like to thank all of the friends, neighbors and caregivers that have helped mom over the last 2 years.   Very special thanks to Lena, Tenesha, Vicky, Annie, Chloe, Donna, Randi and Mary, who cared for mom so dearly these last few months – they were angels.  Also, special thanks to neighbors George and Vicky, who went above and beyond for many years.   And finally, special love to her Roanoke nieces, Ginny and Julie, who were a constant presence and helped in so many ways.  We can’t thank you all enough and we are forever grateful.