Carol Jean Conner

Carol Jean Conner, 92, long-time resident of Belleville, IL, had her homecoming into the arms of Jesus Saturday, September 5, 2026, surrounded by family and her wonderful caregivers at her home in Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, IL. She was born in Juniata County, PA, to Samuel Victor Wert and Junie Elizabeth Bashore Wert.

Carol grew up in the beautiful rolling hills of rural Pennsylvania where she attended a one-room schoolhouse. Carol’s five siblings were all significantly older, so many of her days were spent reading or outdoors with her dog and imaginary flying goat. Sadly, she lost her mother when she was only nine years old and when her father remarried, they moved to Columbus, Ohio. Naturally, Carol went to The Ohio State (Go, Buckeyes!) and graduated with a degree in nursing. It was while she was a nurse she went on a blind date with a handsome lieutenant and pilot in the Air Force, William D. (Dave) Conner, Jr. It was the beginning of a lifelong love.

That shy little country girl was whisked away to places like Spangdahlem and Bitburg, Germany where Dave and Carol had their first two children, Michael (Mike) Conner and Catherine (Cathy) Conner (Campbell). Later, they were stationed in Tachikawa, Japan where Mary Beth Conner (Krebs) was born. Daniel (Dan) Conner was the fourth child to round out the family and was born at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Carol and Dave's Air Force journey also took them to places like Bunker Hill, Indiana, Kansas City, MIssouri and two more tours to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Wherever they lived, Carol always enjoyed painting and decorating to make each place feel like home. After Dave’s retirement, they moved to Maryland and then Germany where Dave worked in the Civil Service. They finally put down roots in Belleville, IL where they enjoyed living for over 45 years.

Carol loved adventure and travelled to various places such as France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, England, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Canada, as well as numerous states in the US.

Not only did she love to travel, but Carol had many talents and loved to paint (oh the hours of Bob Ross she watched), sew, write poetry, read Christian fiction, flower arranging, sing and listen to gospel music (especially the Gaithers), play the piano, and acted in church plays. Friends and family also enjoyed her delicious pies, doll cakes, and homemade applesauce.

Carol would want us all to remember her not for what she did in her lifetime, but for what Jesus did for her. She dedicated her life to the Lord at a young age, however, it wasn’t until she was an adult, that she fully grasped how much God unconditionally loved her and sent Jesus to die for her. God healed her from childhood hurts which inspired her to share God’s love with everyone she met. Through all the ups and downs of life, she lived the verse Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. She led numerous Bible Studies, was a beloved mentor mom for Mothers of Preschoolers for years, gave her testimony for Christian Women’s Clubs, sang in the church choir, volunteered for Crisis Pregnancy Center, served with Gideons Auxiliary, and numerous other ministries. She never knew a stranger, gave generously, had a wonderful sense of humor, and reflected Christ to all who encountered her.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, William D. Conner, Jr.; her parents; and her siblings, Carl, Jerry, Wilbur, Esther Fay, and Dane.

She is survived by her children, Michael David Conner and his wife, Pamela Hanson Conner, of Plano, TX; Catherine Diane Campbell and her husband, Christopher Campbell, of Shawnee, KS; Mary Beth Krebs and her husband, Thomas Krebs, of Shiloh, Illinois; and Daniel Scott Conner and his wife, Kimberly Richter Conner, of O’Fallon, IL. She had nine grandchildren that were her heart; Chase Campbell, Colin Campbell, Andrew Conner, Amanda Conner, Reid Conner, Keenan Krebs, Ty Conner, Jeremiah Krebs, and Megan Conner. She also was “GiGi” to seven great-grandchildren: Josie, Landon, Asher, Ellie, Noah, Avery, and Rowan.

Visitation will be held at Lake View Funeral Home on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Funeral services will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with the family departing for interment at Jefferson Barracks.

At Carol's request, her visitation and funeral will be a celebration of life, and guests are invited to wear bright, joyful colors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice in Carol's honor.