Sunnye Terrell Connelly

Sunnye Terrell Connelly passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by those she loved most—her devoted husband, Dan Connelly, her daughter, Dr. Kim Connelly Smith, her son, Dan Connelly, her son-in-law David Smith, daughter-in-law Grace Lee Connelly, and granddaughter Zoe Lee Connelly.  She lived in Houston.  In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public service. Her family will celebrate her life privately.
Sunnye was born in Alto, Texas, on February 13, 1936, to Lewis and Kathleen Terrell. She was a sixth generation Texan and was deeply proud of her East Texas roots and of her family's long connection to the history of Texas. The Terrell family was among the early settlers of Texas, arriving during the era of Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. Among her distinguished ancestors were George Whitfield Terrell, noted lawyer, jurist, statesman, legislator, diplomat, Attorney General and Ambassador to England, France and Spain for the Republic of Texas, whose contributions helped shape the young nation and state of Texas, as well as her grandfather, U.S. Representative George Butler Terrell.
A graduate of Baylor University, Sunnye met the love of her life while attending school in Waco. Their 64-year marriage became the foundation of a life filled with family, friendship, adventure, travel, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Sunnye was always friendly, respectful and kind to everyone she met, whether it was a close personal friend or a grocery clerk.  She had a remarkable way of connecting with others.  She possessed a dry, sharp, and unforgettable sense of humor.  Exceptionally intelligent and endlessly curious, she approached life with enthusiasm and confidence. She was ahead of her time—a working woman, devoted mother, and homemaker in the 1950s and 1960s, long before it was common to “have it all”.  She taught public school in Waco and helped put her husband through Baylor Law School.  She was always ready for the next adventure and was game to travel absolutely anywhere. An exceptional cook, she appreciated beauty in all its forms including art, clothing, antiques, jazz, Willie Nelson, and Cadillac cars. She enjoyed good food and lively conversation, and she brought wit, warmth, humor and grace to every gathering.
Above all else, Sunnye loved her family. Her greatest joy came from the people she loved, and she took enormous pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children and the generations that followed her. She leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, strength, humor, independence, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. 
Those who knew Sunnye will remember a remarkable Texas woman whose quick wit, adventurous spirit, kindness and deep love for family enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.