Cheryl Beth Conner of Columbus, died Thursday, July 20, 2017, at Baptist Memorial Hospital. Beth was born on February 16, 1968, to Rev. and Mrs. Jimmy Ray of Ethelsville, Alabama. She attended Mobile College in Mobile, AL and graduated from Mississippi University for Women with a degree in English. She later received her Master's Degree from Phoenix University. She was employed at EMCC in Mayhew as an English Tutor. Prior to receiving her Master's Degree, she was employed by State Farm Insurance for over 20 years and made many lifelong friends.

Beth was a member of McBee Baptist Church and taught many classes, including Handbell Choir for Children, Vacation Bible School, Children's Church and volunteered wherever she felt she could make a difference. She also had the privilege to go on a mission trip to Honduras in 2011.

She loved to travel and visited Italy on two occasions, Honduras and Mexico. She enjoyed working with the foreign exchange programs, EF, ISE, ASSE and hosted four foreign exchange students in her home. She loved children and always made time for them or a place for them in her home and in her heart. Caden Samuel Blunt, an 8 year old little boy, came to live with her when he was just a baby. Beth loved and nurtured him until circumstances allowed him to live with his family. Caden called her "Beffy" and they had a special bond. One that will never be broken and will live on in our hearts forever.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Sara Elizabeth Brents (Harrison); two grandchildren: Anniston Reese Brents and Keller James Brents.

Also her parents, Jimmy and Shirley Ray; brother and sister-in-law: Jim and Nancy Ray; and nephew J.D. Ray II, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Gary Collins, Greg Swartz, Jed Knight, Rob Ray, Ben Kilgore, Alan Simons and Eddie Barton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bobby Watkins, James Gabel, Glenn Hartley, David Lawrence and Ernie Barton. Honorary handbell choir members: Mason, Weston and Landon Honnoll, Ethan Lett and James Michael Beasley.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, July 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Lowndes Funeral Home. Services will be Sunday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Canaan Baptist Church on Lehmberg Road. Burial will follow immediately at Ethelsville Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McBee Baptist Church Building Fund, 2846 Highway 50 East, Columbus, MS 39702.