Jonell Conder peacefully left this earth and entered heaven on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at the age of 94 years old. Jonell, daughter of Crockett & Mattie Thompson was born on November 18, 1931 in Paris, Texas. She attended Bounds one-room school until 8th grade, then moved to Powderly where she graduated in 1947. Jonell then attended Paris Junior College where she lived in the dorm with her best friend Ruby Lee Turner.
She married Neal Conder on June 26, 1949. Their journey together was just 5 days short of 70 years as Neal passed away on June 21, 2019. They went to Nashville on their honeymoon and returned to Powderly to live the next 70 years on the family homeplace. They had two sons, David & Bruce. She was so proud of her “boys” and her family. Jonell never worked outside of the home but she was always available when there was a need anywhere in the community or in her church. She helped with meals for countless funerals, visited people in hospitals and nursing homes until her own health began to fail and she had to quit driving. Jonell took care of her mother and mother-in-law for many years.
Jonell & Neal attended Bounds Baptist Church for many years and she served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. She was known for picking up kids in the old blue 1951 Chevy truck and hauling them to Bible School. In their later years, Jonell and Neal attended the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Powderly. There she kept the nursery and helped with children. She was known as Jo, Mother, Mama, Grandma, and later was Mamaw to her great-grandchildren. For most of her life, she never forgot a birthday, anniversary or any other special event. Jonell loved family and often talked about her family history, extended relatives and she could remember every single name. She loved to read books, no one could even count the number of books she read in her lifetime. Jonell sewed, worked puzzles and enjoyed playing games. She was quiet and kind and lived her life as a true servant to others.
Jonell is survived by her sons, David Conder & wife Phyllis, Bruce Conder & wife Rita; Grandchildren: Angela Crawford & husband Drew, Drew Conder & wife Stacy, Carmen Holmes & husband Dean; Great-grandchildren: Nathan Cord Crawford, Alivia Crawford, Alex Crawford, Addison Conder Garrison, Garrett Conder, Ethan Holmes & Sadie Holmes; one brother, Jimmie Thompson, plus numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Neal, her parents, 2 brothers, Max & Gail Thompson, 3 sisters-in-law, Cludie Thompson, Anita Thompson & Ruth Thompson and a grandson, Jeffrey Conder.
We are so thankful that she is fully healed and finally HOME. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Legend Health Care Center and Heart to Heart Hospice. These folks treated her with compassion and care to the very end, making a difficult journey much easier.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the Long Cemetery with Rev. Chris Kelley officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the cemetery.
Services were under the direction of the Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home where online condolences may be sent by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
