Mrs. Erma Mae Lear Connelly, 92, a long-time resident of Greenville, MS, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025 at her residence in Finger, TN.

Born in Indianola, MS, she lived most of her life in Greenville, MS, Mrs. Connelly worked at the 5 & Dime, when she met her future husband, Officer Walter Connelly with the Greenville Police Department. She then worked at the Greenville Mills and after that opened one of the first children's daycare in the area and was famous throughout the town as Aunt Erma. Mrs. Connelly and her husband then opened one of the first Security Guard Company's in Greenville, which they ran for over 30 years. While running the security company, Erma was over the Airport Security for Southern Airlines at the Greenville Airport where she met many individuals including some celebrities.

She was a devoted Christian and attended church regularly. A mother of five daughters which many knew by their names: Linda Faye, Brenda Maye, Glenda Kaye, Cinda Gaye, and Derenda Jaye. Mrs. Connelly definitely ruled the roost at home but was always involved in every aspect of their lives. After Her and her husband retired they moved to Duck Hill, MS. A loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grand-children, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Known as Granny by all, she loved making many of their favorite dish's when they visited, especially Lasagna. After her husband passed she moved to Jackson, TN, to be closer to her remaining daughters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 11, 2025 at McKibben & Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with Rev. Jonathon Toler officiating.  Interment will follow in the Alva-Parker Cemetery near Duck Hill.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service Saturday at McKibben & Guinn.

Pallbearers will be Zack Troutt, Andy Troutt, Alex Strong, William Strong, Collin Strong, Nicholas Strong and Bo Hood.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben & Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).