Connie Dair Mahaffey

Connie Dair Mahaffey, or more lovingly known by so many as “Gran”, 86, of Carlsbad, NM was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on Sunday, September 15, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, September, 23, 2024 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Connie was born on August 29, 1938 in Superior, West Virginia to Walter Moore and Ethel Mae Bishop. Connie spent her childhood years in the mountains of West Virginia, of which she spoke very fondly. As one of thirteen children, she had many tales of the far away place with rolling hills that would seemingly go on forever. With several of her siblings being younger than her, it was at this early age that Gran would fall into her lifelong role of being a caretaker. Caring for her siblings, even the older ones at times (according to her), was something that came very naturally and something she took great pride in doing. This role and ability she had was where she found her comfort in life; Gran loved to love.

On June 25, 1955, Connie would marry Robert Mahaffey Sr. The following year the two would welcome their first child together, Robert Jr., to their family, followed shortly after by their second child, Nancy in 1958. Driven by the opportunity of working in the coal mines, it was around this time that the family decided to move to Carlsbad, New Mexico and embark on a new chapter in life. It was here in Carlsbad that they would welcome their third and final child, Paula, in 1961. Gran would go on to be a homemaker and a loving mother to her three children. Once the kids were older, she would find work for several years at the Steven’s Inn in Carlsbad, where she was a favorite to many regulars that visited while she barkept.

In 2003 and 2004, two of Connie’s children, Paula and Bobby, were both diagnosed with cancer. It is during this difficult time, her unwavering ability to stand strong in her faith would shine as a light for everyone to see. Without hesitation, Gran cared for Bobby until his passing in 2004. She then moved to Midland, TX to be the caretaker for Paula full time. Gran carried the weight of that responsibility, being the rock of the family for the next six years until Paula’s passing in 2010. Despite the hardships she had faced, she would continue to fill any role that best served the needs of those she loved. Whether it be the cheerleader at every grandkid’s sporting event, the nurse to wipe your nose when you were sick, the shoulder to cry on when you were feeling down, or just the one to just be silly and make you laugh, Gran was always putting others before herself. No matter what direction she was being pulled, she obliged, willingly and lovingly, until the very end.

Connie had a servant’s heart throughout the entirety of her life. From taking care of her siblings, to then her own children, not only in childhood, but in sickness, and even a hand in raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she never wavered in her love and commitment to family.  She also never wavered in her commitment to her beloved New York Yankees followed closely by the Dallas Cowboys, even if they continued to be disappointing year after year.

Connie is preceded in death by her parents, seven sisters, three brothers, two daughters, Debra Sue (Infant), Paula Mulloy, and two sons, Keith Bradley (Infant), and Robert Mahaffey Jr.

Connie is survived by her most loving and courageous daughter, Nancy Whittemore, husband Garry, brother, Fred Bishop, grandchildren, Lacy Craig, husband Adam, Abbey Keating, husband Dean, Brooke Claybrook, husband Zach, Landry Mulloy, Stacy Stegall, Dustyn Young and Ryan Williamson, great grandchildren, Cole Craig, Cade Craig, Eli Craig, Nora Craig, Annie Craig, Cooper Evans, Cash Evans, Crue Claybrook, Dylan Claybrook, Sierra Gonzalez and Roman Stegall.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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