Connie Papion

Early Life and Education

Connie was born on March 10, 1962, in Charles Town, West Virginia. She was the youngest of four children born to Sylvia Robinson (Young) and was raised by her stepfather, Andrew Young. Connie was educated in the Jefferson County school system and graduated from Jefferson High School. She attended Potomac State University, where she played basketball, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix.

Career and Service

After playing basketball at Potomac State, Connie joined the Martinsburg chapter of the Army National Guard. She later transferred to the United States Army, where she served for more than 24 years before retiring. Her military career took her to duty stations both in the United States and abroad. She also served in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), helping support fairness and opportunity in the military. Beyond her military service, Connie remained devoted to helping others. She held several positions, including supporting adults with developmental disabilities as they learned life skills, found employment, and worked toward greater independence.

Faith and Community

Connie found great joy in answering God’s call. She was ordained in 2014 under the leadership of Pastor Ricky Polk and later served on the ministerial staff at Unity AME Church in Seffner, Florida, and at Greater Mount Carmel AME Church in Tampa, Florida. She later returned to her home church, Wainwright Baptist Church, in Charles Town, West Virginia. Connie was also a basketball coach, an avid sports fan, and a player who carried her love of sports throughout her life. She encouraged others through her passion, teamwork, and commitment.

Survivors

Connie leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Sylvia Young, of Martinsburg; her brothers, Vernon Robinson (Barb) of Charles Town and Steve Robinson of Martinsburg; her sister, Debbie Davila(Juan) of Chesapeake; a special niece, Kanisha Solis; her godson, Jaycob Jones; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Andrew Young, and her sister, Bessie Young. Rest in peace our dear daughter and sister.

Homegoing Celebration will be held on November 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Rosedale Funeral Home, 917 Cemetery Road, Martinsburg, WV. Interment will follow in Rosedale Cemetery. Fellowship meal will be held at Wainwright Baptist Church in Charles Town.