Debby Jo McConnell

On August 25, 2025, Debby McConnell — beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend — passed away peacefully. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jo Dollar, and her brother, David. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Lanny McConnell, and their two sons, Kyle (Angela) and youngest, Blake (Eric). She is also survived by her father, Norman Dollar; her brother, Michael (Martha); and her sister, Cindy (Travis).

A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Debby attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where she earned her Master’s degree in Education and met Lanny. They were married in 1971 and built their life together in Conway, Arkansas. Debby dedicated herself to teaching and nurturing children — not only through her professional career but through her personal passion for child development and education.

 She founded Lot-a-Tots, a Learning Center in Mayflower, AR. She also led Mother’s Day Out programs and Vacation Bible School, and enjoyed teaching full-time at St. Joseph Catholic School in Conway — always with a heart devoted to enriching the lives of elementary school students. In retirement, she found immense joy and purpose continuing to tutor children at Jessieville Elementary School.

In 2015, Debby and Lanny retired to Hot Springs Village, where she made new friends through her Bible study group and spent quiet days enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. She was a woman of faith, cherished time with family, loved to shop, had a deep, genuine concern for others and their well-being, and famously claimed her sons got their intelligence from her — not their father. Known for her warmth and nurturing spirit, Debby was the heart of the McConnell family and a shining example of grace, love, and devotion.

She is remembered for her kind heart, sweet tooth, silly banter with Lanny, a heavy foot on the gas pedal, and the unconditional love she gave to everyone she cared for. The family would like to express deep gratitude to Martha, Stormie, and the many caregivers who offered their compassion and support in recent years.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountainside Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village (301 Elcano Dr, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909). She will be laid to rest at Fitzhugh Cemetery in Pine Bluff, AR. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph School in Conway, AR. Checks can be made payable ”In Memory of Debby McConnell” to St. Joseph School Attn: Cathy White 1101 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72032. Donations can be sent via Paypal “In Memory of Debby McConnell” to cwhite@sjbulldogs.org. Donations can be sent via Venmo @st-joseph-school labeled “In Memory of Debby McConnell”.