Miriam Dickinson Connelly, 99, of Morganton, NC passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2017. Born in Wilson, NC on February 18, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Judge Oscar Paul Dickinson and Daphne Lamm Dickinson. Miriam was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Oscar Paul Dickinson, Jr. and William Thomas Dickinson; and a sister, Dorothy Dickinson Farmer. After graduating from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, Miriam moved to Morganton in 1939 where she taught school with Morganton Public Schools. Miriam was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church.
Miriam married the love of her life, Robert Leith Connelly, on November 30, 1940, and they were married for 60 years. They had four children: Dr. Daphne Connelly McKee (Dr. James A. Blumenthal) of Chapel Hill, NC, Linda Connelly of Atlanta, GA, Karen Connelly Rodriguez (Ivan) of Germantown, TN, and Robert Leith Connelly, Jr. (Debbie – deceased) of Walterboro, SC. Grandchildren include Anne Dudley McKee, John Sasser McKee, IV (Elizabeth), Marisa Ruth Blumenthal, Robert Alexander Connelly, Samuel Rodriguez, III, Ivan Juan Antonio Rodriguez, Jr. (deceased), Miriam Francisca Rodriguez, Rebecca Rodriguez Landes (Brian), Kristen Connelly Ellenberg (deceased) (Aaron), Mark Andrew Connelly (Rebecca), Marie Connelly de Palacios (Jose), Thomas Leith Connelly, Rebekah Connelly Hodgson (Mark), and Amy Michelle Connelly. Miriam also leaves behind her cherished 22 great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Her love of children was evidenced through her involvement with the Morganton Service League in researching and implementing an innovative preschool program.
Miriam will be remembered for her keen intellect, resilience, listening ear, loyalty, love for family and friends, great wisdom, and abiding faith.
The family would like to acknowledge their deep appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Turning Point Services.
The graveside service will be held at 11am, Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Forest Hill Cemetery. A celebration of Miriam’s life will be held at 12 pm, Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Morganton with the Rev. Dana McKim officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.
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