Essie M. Conaway, 79, of Burnsville, MS, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Magnolia Regional Health Care. She was born on January 20, 1939 to Leon and Verdie Kennedy Crum and was a member of Antioch Free Will Baptist Church. Essie served as municipal court clerk for 29 years with the town of Burnsville, MS, a volunteer firefighter with the Burnsville Volunteer Fire Department and was a first responder and paramedic. Essie was an avid NASCAR fan and especially loved and followed Jeff Gordon. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Essie loved gardening and her flowers. She will forever be remembered in the hearts of her family and friends. Visitation is scheduled from 5-8 pm Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Magnolia Funeral Home and from 12 pm till service time Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Antioch Free Will Baptist Church. A celebration of Essie’s life will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Antioch Free Will Baptist Church officiated by Bro. Mike Edwards. Pallbearers include Jesús Conaway, Levi Conaway, Nathaniel McCord, David Nixon, Ricky Cummings, and Terry Rorie. Honorary pallbearers include Kyle Conaway and the Burnsville Volunteer Fire Department. Interment will be in Antioch Cemetery. Magnolia Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Those left to honor Essie’s memory include her daughter: Lerita Conaway Parkhurst and husband Jerry of Florence, Al; her son: Keenan Leon Conaway and wife Bridget of Burnsville, MS; her mother: Verdie Kennedy Crum of Burnsville, MS; her grandchildren: Amber McCord (Matthew), Levi Conaway (Jolynne), Kyle Conaway, and Annabelle Conaway; her great grandchildren: Nathaniel McCord, Hailey McCord, Jesús Conaway, Noah Conaway, Kathryn Conaway, and Kenneth Conaway; her sister: Betty Nelms of Corinth, MS; her brother-in-law: Wallace Conaway of Knoxville, TN; her sister-in-law: Ila Vee McGahey of Knoxville, TN; her niece: Jenna Glenn (Gary) of Maine; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years: Kenneth Conaway; her father: Leon Crum; her grandson: Jeremiah “Bo” Littlejohn; and her brother-in-law: Esker Nelms. Online condolences may be expressed at magnoliafuneralhome.net.
