Connie Mae Whitlow Zimmer, age 72, of Russellville died Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.  She was born November 22, 1950, in Willow Shade, Kentucky, to Elmer and Carrie Whitlow.

Connie grew up on a tobacco farm in Barren County, Kentucky.  She earned both her bachelor and master's degrees from Western Kentucky University.  Connie worked at several public and school libraries in Kentucky before moving to Arkansas in 1990.  She became a faculty member at Arkansas Tech University, preparing teachers to become school library media specialists.  She worked tirelessly to promote school library services and library media specialists in Arkansas. Even after retirement in 2013, she continued to work for the good of the community in several organizations such as the Russellville Lions Club and River Valley United Way. She was a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Russellville where she served as Elder, Deacon, and church librarian.

Connie loved her family, dogs, books, and community.  She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Steven Zimmer.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Steven Calvert; two grandchildren, Eddie and Katie Calvert all of Russellville; a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Randall Turner of Glasgow, Kentucky; two nephews and their spouses, Randy and Jennie Turner and Jason and Brandi Turner; a great-nephew; and two great-nieces.

All services are private.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.