Mary Jane Conner

Mrs. Mary Jane Conner, daughter of Norma Whiting Fields and the late James Brown, was born November 24, 1943, in Williamsburg. She spent her early life in Barhamsville, with her grandmother, Maimie Whiting Cook.

Mary professed her faith at an early age by accepting God’s call at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Barhamsville. After moving to Williamsburg, she met, and shortly thereafter on July 1, 1961, was united in holy matrimony to Randolph F. Conner. This union was blessed with four daughters.

She was a dedicated member of St. John Baptist Church, Williamsburg. “Sweet Mary” served Christ and her church faithfully through several committees such as the Women’s Fellowship Ministry, Ruth Missionary Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Wedding Committee, Homecoming Committee, Funeral Committee, and Trustee Board. She was also President of the Altar Guild Ministry, ministered as a member of the Senior Choir, and in 1995, was selected as Mother of the Year at St. John Baptist Church. In addition to her dedication to performing ministries of service, she was an ardent Music and Arts lover, in which she passionately supported and celebrated throughout her community for many years. She was an active member of the Pride of Grove Chapter # 181 Order of the Eastern Star PHA. Mary loved God, her family, church, and community. Because of her generous spirit and devotion to her faith, she was loved by many, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in the Hampton Roads Select Specialty Hospital, Newport News, God dispatched angels to bring His “Sweet Mary” home to eternal rest. She is now reunited with her daughter, Grace Rochelle Brown (Johnnie), and father, James Fields in heaven.

Her beautiful legacy will eternally be cherished in the lives of her children, Gloria Walker (Paul), Prudence Conner, and Jacquelyn Poole; five grandchildren, Litonya Walthour, Gretchen Poole, Justin Poole, Christopher Poole, and Johnnie Brown Jr; nine great-grandchildren; mother, Norma Fields; and a host of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019, in St. John Baptist Church, Williamsburg. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the church by 10:30 a.m. Mrs. Conner may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, in the funeral home.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com