Daron Connelly Lifsey

Daron Connelly Lifsey, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 65 on Thursday September 4, 2025, at her residence in rural Henderson County, Tennessee. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 30, 1960, to Donald Ray Connelly and Anita Carlene Davis Connelly.

Daron left this world surrounded by the love that she dedicated her life to nurturing. She was a woman of great faith and strength, deeply spiritual in her convictions. She took pride in serving others most recently as the Bereavement Coordinator for West Tennessee Healthcare Hospice, where her compassion and understanding shone brightly amidst the most difficult moments in people's lives. Her education in Social Work provided her with the foundation to excel in her career, allowing her to touch countless lives with her empathy and dedication. After graduate school, she was employed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Senior Dynamics Unit at Baptist Hospital in Knoxville, TN. Daron played an integral role in expanding and implementing an animal- assisted patient care program known as Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (H.A.B.I.T.), a joint program between the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and Baptist Hospital. It is the oldest animal-assisted program in the state and one of the oldest in the country. Upon moving to Jackson and prior to her role with West Tennessee Healthcare Hospice, she worked for a private counseling service and also provided weekly evening grief counseling for years for bereaved family members through a local funeral home.

Daron was much more than her professional accomplishments. She was a woman who celebrated life's simple pleasures. She cherished the time spent engaging in her hobbies, notably knitting, and reading, attending festivals, both fiber and music, and found joy in cooking for those she loved. Her passion extended to flower gardening where she took great pride in cultivating beauty around her. She also took pleasure in power walking, including an occasional marathon, hiking and just spending time outside. She loved sitting on the back porch at home listening to music, watching wildlife and relishing the peaceful solitude with her husband, children, relatives and friends. She also truly enjoyed being owned by her cats!

A steadfast member of St. Mary's Catholic Church for over 30 years, Daron's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Through the years, she served on the Parish Counsel and participated in numerous other church committees and bible study groups. Her commitment to her parish community reflected her deep spirituality and the Christian values she held dear.

Daron's proudest accomplishments included her family, who will fondly hold her memory in their hearts. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Ben Lifsey Jr., their son, Jacob Lifsey, daughter, Hannah Lifsey, her husband, Joseph Duke, and her brother, Kevin Connelly.

Daron was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Ray and Anita Carlene Davis Connelly, her brother, Courtney Connelly (Celeste), and sister-in-law, Connie Connelly (Kevin). Their memories will live on through her family, as she has left an indelible influence on their lives.

A visitation will be held in her honor on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., leading into a Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Gabe Bouck, Father David Graham and Father Bryan Timby.

As we remember Daron, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose love, spirit, and faith touched all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion, the values she instilled in her family and her love of life will endure in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those she served.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to The American Cancer Society or St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1665 Highway 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN or online at www.stmarys.tn.org.