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JOHN STUART CONNER

John Stuart Conner of Shacklefords, Virginia, passed away Nov. 21, 2016.

He was born in Gloucester, Virginia, on Nov. 9, 1937 to William and Doris Conner. Stuart graduated from Gloucester High School in 1956 and after a year as an apprentice at the Newport News Shipyard, he attended Shenandoah College & Conservatory of Music where he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Music Degree. Stuart was a band/choir director for 25 years and taught at Salem High School, Gloucester High School, West Point High and Elementary Schools, Mount Jackson High School and Robert E. Aylor Middle School.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Billy Conner (Julia Lee); a sister, Mildred Dirle (Michael) and two brothers-in-law, William Courtney and Reinaldo Morales.  

Stuart is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, and their children and spouses, Sharon Conner and David Rooks, Christi and Frank Morton, and Neale and Donna Kemp. They in turn blessed him with seven grandchildren, Dylan and Logan Rooks, Alexandra Morton King (Dan), Avery and Jack Morton and Samantha and Noah Kemp. He is also survived by his brothers, Byron (Carmen), Gene (Judy), Edward (Susan) and his sisters, Doris Courtney, Patsy Morales, Bessie Conner and Margaret Figgins (Bob), along with a host of nieces and nephews.  

Special thanks to the Sentara Hospice team and especially Kat, Sharon and Janemarie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 at New Hope United Methodist Church, 2489 Lewis Puller Highway, Saluda, Va. 23149.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the John Stuart Conner Music Scholarship at Shenandoah University to honor Stuart’s love of music. Donations may be sent to Shenandoah University, c/o Jane Pittman, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, Va. 22601. 

Vincent Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and a complete obituary can be viewed on their website www.vincentfh.com.