Janet McConnell

Janet Lynn Ricks McConnell, 39, died suddenly on Friday, April 29, 2011, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. Born in Oak Ridge, Tenn., and a University of Tennessee at Knoxville graduate, she was a wife, mother, and veteran advertising, marketing and public relations professional.Making her home in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the last 13 years, she was employed by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as Director, Brand Strategy and New Media. During her career she was recognized with numerous local, regional and national awards for her work.She was an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church. She served on the boards of the Childrens Advocacy Center of Hamilton County and the Childrens Enrichment Center and was a past board member of the Hamilton County UT Alumni Association. She was also an avid supporter of her sons little league baseball team. Her passions in life were her family, baking, her career and UT Football.She is survived by her husband, Keith McConnell; son, Jack McConnell; parents, Bob Ricks and Sue Ricks, of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and brothers Eddie Ricks and wife, Peggy, of Chattanooga, and Mike Ricks and wife, Kim, of Huntsville, Ala. She is also survived by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Gail McConnell and brother-in-law, Kevin and wife, Ashley, of Ten Mile, Tenn.The family will be receiving friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel on Hwy. 153 in Hixson, Tenn., a Christian Wake Prayer service will follow at 8 p.m.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tenn. Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.The family asks that memorial donations in Janets honor be made to St. Jude School and Partnerships Family Violence Shelter.Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.