Obituary of Joan Delly Conner

Joan Delly Conner, 85, made her transition home on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Born to late Robert “ Mance” Delly and Bertha Young Delly on May 5, 1935 in Winnsboro, South Carolina, Joan attended local public schools in Fairfield County and received her undergraduate degree from Allen University in Elementary Education. She later earned her graduate degree from The University of South Carolina on August 16, 1975.

Joan spent more than 30 years teaching and imparting into the lives of students in Richland County School District One. She was employed by Hopkins Elementary where she taught 5th grade, Lower Richland High School (English teacher and Assistant Librarian) and by C. A. Johnson High School where she served as media specialist. She often said that her greatest joy was ensuring that young people have the opportunity to excel in whatever endeavor they chose in life. Joan spent many years counseling youth on the virtues of attending college, while personally taking the time to drive them to campus to enroll.

A lifelong member of Wayman AME Church, she was a member of the Steward Board, president of the Pulpit Aide Board, and member of the missionary society and choir. Joan also served as the Debs and Master’s Coordinator, Church Anniversary Committee Chair and co-chair of various church auxiliaries.

Growing up a child of the deep south, Joan knew the importance of her people not only being registered to vote, but clearly understanding the platforms of candidates running for public office. Her passion for fairness and honesty, coupled with Joan’s familiarity of area neighborhoods, drove her to work tirelessly with the local Democratic Party, ensuring that local residents personally knew who they were placing in office and holding them accountable while there. This same drive undergirded her as she actively participated with both the NAACP and the National Education Association. She also served as vice president of the Richland County Education Association Retired (RCEA) Association, participating on the Program, By-laws and Elections committees.

Never one to be idle, Joan worked with the Silver Haired Legislature, an organization created to identify issues, concerns, and possible solutions to problems affecting the aging population in South Carolina. She was also an active member of the Greenview Neighborhood Association.

Joan could often be found encouraging many of the certified nursing assistants taking care of her at the National Healthcare Corporation – Parklane to pursue furthering their education by obtaining advanced nursing degrees. She was always the consummate teacher and mentor.

In 2001, Joan’s adoring husband of 44 years, Edward, preceded her in death. She leaves behind six loving children: Marcia Lynne (Alexandria, VA), Edward Eugene, Jr.(Atlanta, GA), Eric Vernon, (Atlanta, GA), Harvey Darryl, Myra Joan and Yolanda Ann; two daughter- in-laws: Stephaine and Stacie (Atlanta, GA); and one son-in-law, Billy Singletary, Jr. Among those who will sorely miss her hugs and laughter are her grandchildren: Eric Vernon Jr, Danielle Nichole Anderson, Ashley Symone Conner, Courtney Lanee’ Shivers, Eryn Melinda Conner, Alyssa Michelle Singletary, Travis Ian Conner, Lawson Edward Conner; and four great-grandchildren: Kayden Ashton Wilson, Peyton Antonio Anderson, Zyion Ramone Shivers-Jackson and Hendrix Cooper Anderson. Joan is survived by one loving sister, Bertha M. Brown (Lake Wateree, SC). She also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.

Joan took pleasure in living by the words of Maya Angelou in her poem “In All Ways a Woman”…Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible and live long lives.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the many acts of kindness, encouraging words and sympathy shown during the passing of our mother. Although we are grieving our loss and are saddened, we are comforted and encouraged for Jesus Christ has promised that “He will be with all of us always, even until the end of this world.” Matthew 28:20

 A special note of appreciation to her caregivers (Debra,  Angela and Mae Francis); NHC Parklane, Amedisys – Compassionate Care; and to the many dedicated physicians: Dr. Rodney Rhinehart, Dr. Bridget Moore, Dr. Daniel Bouknight, Dr. Christopher Ballou and Dr. Abul Usmani...We could not have come this far without you.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4pm to 6pm at the Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd. Columbia, SC 29209. A private family visitation, funeral service, and burial will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021.

 Please click HERE to view a live stream of the funeral service.