Constance Jo Waddell

The Cherubim Chorus and the Heavenly Choirs, were blessed to be given a new accompanist on Monday, May 25, 2015, at about 10:30 in the morning, when Connie Jo Waddell heard The Father’s voice and found herself immediately in His Presence. Connie died suddenly on Monday, and is survived by her loving husband, Bill, and 5 stepsons; Andy Gray, Billy, Mark, Jack and Matthew Waddell. There are eleven grandchildren who called her Mimi, and will miss her dearly, and countless friends, piano students and business associates will not be able to fill the vacancy her passing will leave in their hearts. Connie has served as pianist, and accompanist to the choirs and praise teams at North Phoenix Baptist Church since 1969. Her gifts, as a musician, blessed that congregation and all its extended families and ministries for all those years. Being a part of that “family of faith” was at the heart of Connie’s every endeavor, and she was loved by all those blessed to be a part of that family. Connie was born in Peoria, Illinois, September 3, 1939, the only daughter of Pearl and Chester Ray. The family soon moved to Marceline, Missouri, where Connie Jo grew up and graduated from Marceline High School. She then attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri for her undergraduate degree, and later attended Julliard Conservatory of Music in New York City. Connie’s love for music, and her adopted hometown, Phoenix, led her to become a part of the Phoenix Symphony Guild and the Phoenix Theater Guild, where she served as their president for several terms. She was a delightful addition to any organization she chose to be a part of, endearing trademarks. Multitudes of young and old have studied piano under Connie’s masterful touch. She found great joy in helping people learn to love music, as she did, and build a respect for piano and the maestros from the past. In her “spare time” Connie devoted herself to building a “family” of Mary Kaye associates and representative. She, herself, was with the company over 30 years and the “family” she built extends around the world. In the 14th Chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus said to His disciples, “Do not be afraid. In my Father’s House are many Dwelling Places. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and, if I go and prepare a place, I will come again and receive you unto myself, so, where I am you may be also”. Connie Waddell believed that with her whole being, and her desire was, that through her music she could convince her world that those words spoken by her Savior, were meant for all mankind. We, as a people, were diminished on Monday when Connie Waddell took up her residence in God’s Eternal Home, but Heaven was made more joyful and beautiful with the music she brought with her. AND…we can have complete assurance, that “The Marriage Supper of The Lamb” will have a bounty of chocolates. Connie’s passion, second only to her passion for serving her Lord and Savior. Rest well, Beloved Friend! There will be a public viewing, Sunday afternoon, May 31, 15 1:30 at the North Phoenix Baptist Church. A memorial Service will follow at 2:00. Pastor Richard Jackson will be officiating. A dessert reception will be held in the lower chapel after the service. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the music programs at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 North Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012.