Ottie Conner Huddleston

Dora Otway “Ottie” Conner Huddleston, 86, of Appomattox, passed away at her residence on January 31, 2025, with her daughter Stella and caretaker Barbara by her side. Through faith, we know that she is reunited with family in heaven and no longer chained to an oxygen tank.
Born on November 20, 1938, to the late Lacy Evrod and Dora Abbitt Conner, Ottie was preceded in death by her parents and sister Bolling Carter. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Stella Osborne, husband Gary Huddleston, niece Beth Bertenshaw, and nephew R. B. Carter.
To quote Shakespeare: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” Ottie’s tiny physical stature contained a personality and life that seems impossible to describe in a simple obituary. Ottie was patriotic, loyal, feisty, and honest. She loved Elvis Presley, Donald Trump, James Dean, and Robert E. Lee. She also loved Sheetz turkey wraps, plain M&M’s, Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets and Vera Bradley accessories.
After attending Vera and Appomattox schools (the only ninth grade girl to ever win Homecoming Queen), Ottie worked at the Baptist Sunday School Board (in Nashville), the Virginia State Police Department, the garment factory, Robert E. Lee Academy (headmistress) and government offices, all in Appomattox. She retired at the age of eighty.
Ottie loved Jesus and her church, New Hope Baptist Church, in Vera. She attended all of her life, teaching Sunday School, serving on committees, playing the piano at Wednesday night prayer services, supporting missions and the Samaritan’s Purse, and living a life based on Christian principles and servitude.
Her faith was strengthened in 1993 when God brought Gary Huddleston into her life, and again in 1999 when (with the help of Duke Medical Center) she became a lung cancer survivor. She continued to give thanks to the Lord and to her doctors who always received gifts and candy at her following check-ups.
Circumstances forced Ottie to raise Stella alone, and they forged an unbreakable loving bond. Sundays were always spent together, and the pair racked up numerous trips to Manteo (her favorite place), Richmond, and Williamsburg. Their relationship came full circle in later years with Stella acting as Ottie’s nurse, shield, and transporter up to the last minute.
Many thanks are extended to the Farmville Centra Hospice Team and her dear caretakers Wanda, Rebecca, Barbara, Phyllis, and Madison. Along with her caretakers, she was blessed with faithful family and friends who never wavered in their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to New Hope Baptist Church, 6227 Old Courthouse Road, Appomattox, Virginia 24522.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1, at 11 AM at New Hope Baptist Church, with pastors Rick Sewell and Ron Moore officiating.
Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.robinsonfhome.com