John Gregory Conner

John Gregory Conner, 40, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Gregory Conner and the late Donna, John lived a life marked by faith, service, love, and resilience.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 2004 until his honorable departure in 2015, forging lifelong bonds with his shipmates and the USS Donald Cook community. After his military service, he earned his Master of Organizational Leadership from Regent University in 2024. From 2019 to 2021, John embraced his entrepreneurial spirit by opening Kelly’s Smoothies in McKinney, Texas—closing it due to the pandemic. Most recently, he served as an Implementation Specialist at a prestigious company , where his strong work ethic and dedication shone through.

Beyond his service and accomplishments, John had a vibrant personality and heartfelt passions. He loved Baseball, watching Batman and John Wick, had Blink-182 on repeat, and brought laughter and kindness to everyone he met. John was a dreamer who loved the sun and imagined one day retiring in Dubai or on a peaceful island. He loved hot tubs and gyms, making them must-haves wherever he stayed. He believed in the future, carefully planning projects for the right time, and carried a vision of becoming a successful businessman.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly Amanda ; his precious daughters, Victoria and Crystal Conner; his father, Gregory Conner and wife Jenny; his stepfather Michael John; his brothers and stepbrothers Gregory Conner, John John and wife Hali , Matt John, and wife Tifani ; his sisters Dottie and June ; his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was especially grateful for his mentor, Pastor Hubert Ulysse and family, who guided him through many seasons of life. The family also extends love to the Conner, Escue, Jules, Frais, Valentin, Joseph Dalma, and Saint-Nord families, as well as Kelly’s Aunt/Mom Maymone Jules Valentin; father Renel Jules and wife, Rachelle; who share in this loss.

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Funeral Services – Thursday, September 18, 2025

Visitation

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Christian Fellowship Church (Adela’s Garden)

3401 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23513

Memorial Service

11:00 AM

Christian Fellowship Church (Adela's Garden)

3401 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23513

Burial Service with Military Honors

2:00 PM

Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery

5310 Milners Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434

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John will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, faithful brother, dreamer, and proud veteran. As the Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” His laughter, courage, vision, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.