Ann Brooks Conner

Ann Brooks Conner

Ann Brooks Conner, age 93, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Born on July 10, 1933, in Benton, Tennessee, Ann was the daughter of Dillard Obediah Brooks and Gracie Worley Brooks. In 1950, she married Joney Deluse Conner, with whom she shared over 40 years of marriage until his passing in 1990.

Ann dedicated 21 years of service as Head Cashier at A&P Grocery Store in Gastonia, North Carolina, before relocating to Kingsport, Tennessee, in 1976. Following her move to Kingsport, she also worked for five years at Kerns Bread Store.

Ann was the oldest surviving charter member of Rock Heritage Baptist Church, where her strong faith in Jesus Christ was an important part of her life. She had a kind and welcoming spirit, treating everyone she met with warmth and compassion. She found great joy in preparing meals for her friends and family, bringing loved ones together around the table and creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, Ann had a special way of bringing smiles and laughter to those around her. Her unwavering faith, loving heart, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joney Deluse Conner; her sisters, Birdell Newton and Edna Robinson; her brother, John Brooks; her stepsisters, Nora Lee Alexander, Lucy Fulton, and Jerdie Mae Johnson; and her stepbrothers, Jeff Brooks, Ray Brooks, and Frank Brooks.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Tony Conner and his wife, Natasha; Susan Herron; and Chad Conner and his wife, Amber. She also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Denise Herron, Adam Conner, Conner Herron, and Nikita Conner. Ann is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins who held a special place in her heart and whose lives were blessed by her love and kindness.

Ann's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of her wonderful friends who blessed her life with love, kindness, and companionship throughout the years. Each friendship was special to her, and the family is deeply thankful for the love and care shown to Ann. A special thank you goes to Pam Gaby, Brenda Johnson, and Rick and Vicki Kay, whose friendship and devotion went far beyond that of friends. They became like family to Ann and held a very special place in her heart. Their love, kindness, and unwavering friendship will always be remembered and treasured by her family.

Service Arrangements

Tennessee Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be held at Rock Heritage Baptist Church, 4838 Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663, on Friday, October 23, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Trevor Knight and Pastor Jordan Smith will officiate.

North Carolina Family and Friends Visitation

In North Carolina, the family will receive friends on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. on the patio at Hilton Garden Inn, 444 Cox Road, Gastonia, NC 28052.

Graveside Service – Gaston Memorial Park

A graveside service will be held at Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Jerry Fisher will officiate the service.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Rock Heritage Baptist Church, PO Box 5305, in Kingsport, Tennessee, 37663, Myrockheritage.org in honor of Ann's life and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.