Connie Ball

Connie Lynn Ball, of Candler, North Carolina, crossed over to continue her journey on Wednesday, May 10, 2006, at the John F. Keever Solace Center. Born June 1st, 1967 in Asheville, Connie was the youngest of four children of Joe and Mary Toledo Whitt Ball of Candler. She resided in the Leicester, Arden, and Candler communities of Buncombe County and in Canton of Haywood County. Connie struggled with health challenges her entire life, but she always remained a dynamic spirit and a bright light to those around her. In 1973, she attended Valley Springs Elementary, three years before the law opened school doors fully to children with disabilities. Thanks to principal William Estes and the open arms of first grade teacher Ann Sizemore, young Connie was spared the cruel exclusion that other children before her faced. She went on to attend Glen Arden Elementary and Bethel Elementary, before graduating from Pisgah High School in 1986. As a young woman, Connie took part in life enthusiastically. In 1985, she was crowned the first Junior Miss North Carolina Wheelchair in Charlotte, North Carolina, an honor that recognized character, talent and spirit in the face of adversity. In this and in many other ways, Connie helped show other women that they could overcome physical challenges. She studied at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and was employed at Ball's Machine and Manufacturing, in Candler. Connie was a lifelong, loyal Democrat, and a familiar face at events where Democrats gathered. She was often found at the polls on election day in Enka, waving the attributes of her chosen candidates. Connie was also an avid sports fan, from WCU Catamount football to NASCAR racing. The Rainbow #24 was a particular object of her affection. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Canton. Her church family was a strong support and comfort in her life. Connie Ball was preceded in this life by her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Quincey Ball, Sr. of Mars Hill and by her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff J. Whitt of Leicester and the Upper Laurel community of Madison County. Left behind to cherish her memory are her steadfast parents Joe and Mary Ball, who came to epitomize parental love and devotion to so many in their community. She also leaves behind one sister Donna Ball-Metcalf and her husband former State Senator Stephen M. Metcalf of Weaverville; brother Gary J. Ball and his wife Janet Coates-Ball of Fairview; and brother Gordon M. Ball and his wife DeAnna Ledford Ball of Weaverville. Special loves of her life were her nieces and nephews, Allison Todd and Leah McCrae Ball and their mother Ann Bradfield of Weaverville; Lauren Annabella, Alexander Duncan and Mary Catherine Ball of Fairview; John A. and Elizabeth Miller Metcalf and sons Waylan Byrd and Jackson Joseph of Asheville; and Chris and Mindy B. Garren and sons Shane Mark and Wesley Christopher of Fairview. She is also survived by a host of caring aunts and uncles and faithful cousins, and by a multitude of caregivers, including Phyllis Wyatt. Connie's family and wide circle of friends came to admire her determination and fortitude in the face of so many physical assaults upon her person over the years. Right to the end, Connie maintained that spark of wit and purpose we all came to admire. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church in Canton at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2006, with the Reverend David Christy officiating. Internment and Ascension will follow the service in the Pisgah View Memorial Park in Candler. Visitation will begin Friday at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church in Canton. Pallbearers will be: John Isgrig, Greg Raxter, Sam Fagan, Hardy Ward, Tripp Hughes, Robert Demetris, Johnny Reno, Sam Pattillo and Paul Jacon. At Connie's request, after Ascension, a Gathering will be held at her parents' home at 19 Glencliff Road in Candler, North Carolina. The family looks forward to fellowship and the sharing of the many Connie stories at that time. The family requests Memorials to be made to the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, P.O. Box 5779, Asheville, NC 28813.

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