Conner, Betty Jo Craig
Betty Jo Conner, 81, was born on August 30, 1945, and passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, at 6:30 a.m. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, homemaker, pastor’s wife, and a devoted Christian woman whose tender heart and generous spirit touched the lives of many.
Betty Jo was married to her beloved husband, Dr. Clyde R. Conner, for 57 years and 10 months. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and love. She was the loving mother of David Conner; Keith Conner and his wife, Jaime Conner; Kimberly Conner; and Melissa Conner-Tate. She was a devoted grandmother to Brian Corey Conner, Kaelyn M. Conner, Bailey Roth (Brian Keith Conner), Abigail E. Crawford, Annalise V. Crawford, Emily K. Tate (Melissa A. Conner-Tate), Brittany L. Cook and Ole J. Olesen, and Brandon A. Cook (Kimberly M. Conner). Her great-grandchildren, Flora L. Olesen and Bjorn O. Olesen (Brittany and Ole Olesen), brought her special joy. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Powers (Alan), and her brother, James E. Craig.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude H. Craig and Clarice E. Craig, and her sister, Brenda L. Craig, sister-in-law Kathryn Gibson and brother-in-laws Paul Gibson and Don Jones.
Betty Jo graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1963 and was a 1967 graduate of Radford College. She devoted 31 years of her life to education, faithfully serving students and making a lasting impact on countless young lives. She also embraced the many joys and responsibilities of being a homemaker and pastor’s wife. She had a tremendous love for her family and was known for her tender heart and willingness to serve others, often sacrificing whatever was necessary to care for those she loved. Her Christian faith was at the heart of who she was. She loved the Lord deeply and sought to live out her faith through the way she loved and served her family and others. Her life was a quiet testimony of faithfulness, compassion, and selflessness. Betty Jo was also known for her many gifts and simple joys. She was a wonderful cook, a talented piano player, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She especially loved music, her favorite being The Gaither’s music. Her family will remember the love she poured into countless meals, the warmth of her home, and the special traditions she created for them.
Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays, and she especially enjoyed making popcorn cakes for her family. These traditions and memories will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Above all, Betty Jo loved her family. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother who cherished the time she spent with each generation. Her tender heart, servant spirit, faith, and unconditional love leave a legacy that will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at her church, The Family Worship Center, 955 Memorial Drive, Pulaski, with Pastors Jeff Willhoite, Jordan Myers and Larry Meadows officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 12 Noon until 2:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Pulaski. 540-980-1700
