Arthur Conner

Bro. Arthur Conner, 77, departed this life on Wednesday September 12, 2018 in New Jersey. He was the father of Michael Conner and Michelle Conner-Gilsson.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Wise Chapel AME Church Saturday September 29, 2018 at 11:00am. He will be laid to rest in the Devotion Gardens Cemetery, Mullins.

“A real man loves his wife, and places his family as the most important thing in life.  Nothing brings him more peace and comfort in life than simply being a good husband and father” ~Frank Abagnale

Arthur Conner, “Daddy”, “Pa-Pa”, or “R2D2’ (as his brother in law Ronnie would call him) was born on July 20th, 1941 to the late James and Arletha Conner in Marion, South Carolina.  He left us to meet his bride, Ernestine on Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, NJ.  Oh, what a reunion!  

Arthur was married to the late Ernestine Conner on July 17th, 1965. On July 24, 2017, the pain of losing his soulmate was overwhelming for such a great man, but NOW they are TOGETHER AGAIN, forever! While Ernestine was in the hospital, Arthur stated “we spent 52 big ones together and I am staying until the very end.”  This marriage exemplified the characteristic of the vowel “from death do us part” for he was right by her side when the Lord and his angels came to usher her home and if it was the other way around, she would have been to. 

They were blessed with two children, his hearts, Michael and Michelle. He called Michael “Mr. Wood” and Michelle “Chelle”.  Michelle and her husband Gerald, gave them two gifts that money cannot buy, HIS GRANDCHILDREN, Sydney Michelle and Skylar Sierra.  His nickname for Sydney was “Granny” and Skylar “Pooh Bear”.

Arthur was employed with A&P Grocery Store when he relocated to New York in 1961, from Marion, South Carolina.  This is where he formed his love for grocery stores circular shopping and became the master of grocery store item pricing.  Arthur was employed with E&H Laminating Company from the early 80’s until he retired in December 2012 as well as a 25 year tenure with Toys R Us. 

 Arthur was a member of the Highway Church of Christ in Paterson, New Jersey under pastor, Bishop Liston Page Sr.  He was one of the founding members and served as a trustee for some years.

There are so many fond memories that will be cherished forever! In the early years of Marriage Arthur and Ernestine would travel with the children from Paterson to New York  to visit his brother Allen and sister-in law Ethel for weekends of playing cards for hours.  For years Arthur and his family would travel to Connecticut to have a traditional Conner Family Thanksgiving dinner with his siblings and their families. For Christmas Arthur and Ernestine would host a Christmas dinner for all family members.  It was an honor of theirs to have Big Daddy, Big Momma and the rest of the family over to the house every year for Christmas.  Everyone looked forward to his famous desserts & red eye gravy, boy was that food good! Another unforgettable memory is that for over twenty-five years, Arthur would not miss a year vacationing for two weeks in Orlando, Fl. This was very special because he was able to take his children and grandchildren on vacation.  Owning a time-share at Orange Lake Country Club Resort in Kissimmee was the best decision they ever could have made because it taught their family members to vacation and enjoy each other while they could. Generations of our family were able to enjoy these great vacations. 

Arthur enjoyed vacationing with family, fishing, hunting, cooking and baking but most of all his love for the game of Golf was unparalleled. This is a love that he shared with his brother Gene.  Arthur and his brother Harry would spend countless hours on the phone talking about recipes, types of pies and who had the best “T-cakes”. He and his sister in laws; Cathy, Rosa, Norma, and Dorothy would share all kinds of recipes. Arthur would spend many days having breakfast and coffee with his sister in-laws Cathy and Patricia.  He would be the go to person for the starter to the 30 day “friendship cake” and his famous “million-dollar pie”. 

 Arthur Conner leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, his loyal, devoted, caring and loving children: Michael Conner and Michelle Conner-Glisson, one son in law Gerald Glisson, two grandchildren Sydney Michelle and Skylar Sierra, God Son Christopher Dingle, Brothers Eugene Conner, Jule Conner (Barbara), Harry Conner (Jacqueline) and Ernest Conner.  He was preceded in death by his Parents James and Arletha Conner, brothers James Conner, Allen Conner, Carl Conner and one sister Mildred Conner-Jordan. Arthur had a very special relationship with his in-laws, they will to, cherish his memories; sister-in-laws, Catherine Foxworth-Dingle, Rosa Foxworth-Eckford and Patricia Mitchell, brother in laws; Ronnie Foxworth(Dorothy), Robert Foxworth(Sherelle) Samuel Foxworth and John Pete Dingle, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.                                                                 

Anytime his granddaughters Sydney and Skylar would leave his side, Arthur would lovingly say “See you later Alligator”, in which they would both reply “after while Crocodile”.  

Leaving the presence of his family and friends Arthur would always say his famous last line.

        “We’ll leave a light on for you”

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