Jean Huffman Connor

Emma Jean Huffman Connor, 89 of Conover, NC went home to be in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She was born at home in Conover; on Monday, September 14, 1936 to Cecil Monroe and Louetta Lail Huffman.

Jean was a graduate of St. Stephens High School and Charlotte Memorial School of Nursing. In addition to working as a Registered Nurse, Jean was also a certified teacher. She taught at Bunker Hill High School for 22 years where she began the Allied Health Program. While there, Jean became the “Teacher of the Year” for Bunker Hill and for Catawba County. She was also the NC State president of the Allied Health Teachers Association. Jean also earned a license as a real estate broker and was credentialed in interior design. She was business minded. She initiated and was involved in many business ventures both individually and with her husband including the transportation and trucking industry, restaurants, the food industry and many others.

Jean was first and foremost a loving mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. She loved with vehement devotion to her family. There was never anyone who defended more fiercely or encouraged more wholeheartedly. The family always knew that they were loved unconditionally. She always pointed back to God as the source of our hope, strength, and love. He was her Lighthouse and Anchor. Her greatest legacy is that of having shown her children the Light of His Salvation and how to love Our Lord and trust Him fully, even through the difficult days and trials. She bravely and stoically faced her death with grace and dignity.

Jean was a beautiful lady both inside and out. She was known for her vivacious, joyful spirit, her contagious laughter, and her eternal optimism. She was selfless and self-sacrificing, always putting others before herself. Jean was especially known for her generous spirit. She brought fun and laughter to every gathering. She loved a good joke, even when it was a little “spicy.”

Jean had many interests throughout her life ranging from karate, firearm training, art, photography and completing puzzles. She was an avid reader, who enjoyed mystery novels. She read the newspaper thoroughly, being particularly interested in politics. Jean was faithful to read her Bible and devotion. Her taste in music varied, but she particularly liked Elvis, George Straight, and Frank Sinatra. She loved traditional hymns and worship music.

Jean was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church where she loved to worship her Lord by singing in the choir. She formally served on the Board of Trustees, in youth ministry, and taught Sunday school.

There were many causes that were near and dear to her heart. The Jean Connor Educational Scholarship helped graduates prepare as they were starting college. She was formally active with both the boy scouts and girl scouts over the years. She supported and believed in the mission of St. Judes Children’s Hospital and the

Children’s Home Society of NC. She was a huge advocate for adoption. She always had a heart for children in need and opened her home to them, believing that every child should have a loving home that would point them to Jesus. Many times, they would seek shelter and counsel with her during times of trouble. Many students called her “Mama Jean” and continued to keep in touch and visit her. She remained beloved to all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husbands, Loy Thomas Miller and Charles Franklin Connor, Jr.; son, Brandon Miller; sisters Faye Rockett and Pat Smyre.

Those left to cherish her beloved memory include her son, Todd Dwane Miller; daughter, Janet Miller Keever; son in law, Jeffrey Keever; grandchildren, Zachrey Conner, Jefferson Keever, Brianna Miller, Maxwell Miller, and Ally Rose Miller. In addition are many special nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 3:30pm at Global Methodist Church in Conover with Reverend John Woods officiating. The family will receive friends in the Connor Family Life Center from 1:30pm to 3:15pm. A private family burial will be held at Catawba Memorial Park before the service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fostering Hope, via Global Methodist Church at 410 1st Ave N, Conover, NC 28613 or the Children’s Home Society of NC at PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.