Celia Ann Jeffcoat Conner

CONNER, Celia Ann Jeffcoat, of Sandston, departed this life November 28, 2013. Born April 30, 1934 to the late Ann and Hoyt Jeffcoat; she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Archie Conner Jr.; and her brother, Lawrence Jeffcoat. She is survived by her two daughters, Katherine Ann Ward (husband, Melvin) and Sharon Kay Conner; sister, Jackie Yates (husband, Lonnie); brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Jane Conner; grandchildren, Brandon Allen (wife, Jamie), Victor Alfonso (wife, Mindy), Emily Kitchens (husband, Matthew), Alexander Alfonso (wife, Nikki); great-grandchildren, Lance, Victoria and Layla Alfonso, Madison and Macy Allen and Alayna Alfonso. From gardening to opera to poetry, Celia had an incredible zest for life.Through her passion and love for cooking and entertaining, she became president and owner of Creative Catering Ltd. and the Gooseberry Caf‚ from 1979 until 2004. Favorite quotes, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." --Albert Schweizer. "Life is not waiting for the storm to happen. Life is waiting to dance in the rain." -Anonymous. The family will receive friends on Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave. The memorial service will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Sandston Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sandston Presbyterian Church or the Virginia Cancer Institute.