Gaynelle Simmons Conner

Gaynelle Simmons Conner, 89, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

A funeral service to honor Gaynelle’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 12th at The Morehead City Church of Christ, officiated by Ministers David Price and Craig Hearne. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Following the interment, the family invites everyone to join them for lunch at the History Museum in Morehead City. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through her obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Gaynelle was born on October 21, 1934, in Newport, NC, to the late Raymond and Betty Simmons. Gaynelle built her life on the principles of faith and her sincere love for the Lord. In August 1948, she was baptized by Elam Kuykendall at the Fresh Pond in Newport, where she professed her faith. Her steadfast devotion was evident in her loyalty to the Church of Christ in Newport until 1987, after which she became a member of The Morehead City Church of Christ.

Professionally, Gaynelle began her career in Civil Service at Cherry Point, where she served as a secretarial assistant to the General. She later worked as a bank teller at First Citizens Bank, where she was a friendly face to so many in our community.

Gaynelle was well known for her love of cooking and was particularly famous for her delicious pecan pies and coconut cookies. Every Friday and Saturday, she lovingly prepared numerous meals that she shared with her church family on Sundays. Gaynelle had the gift of hospitality and always looked forward to hosting her annual luncheons at the Dunes Club. She also played an instrumental role in the Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest where she was a founding member of the favorite event.

Gaynelle loved working in her yard, often spending hours 6 hours a day tending to various projects, nurturing her plants and doing everything she could to enhance its beauty. A well-known figure in her Brandywine community, she affectionately earned the nickname "Bag Lady" for her dedication to cleaning up the neighborhood while out for leisurely walks.

As a gifted musician, Gaynelle shared her creativity through song, often composing pieces and playing heartfelt melodies on the piano. Her beautiful alto voice brought joy to many.

Gaynelle maintained an active lifestyle and was serious about fitness, regularly running, and walking up to 30 miles each week. She always had a soft spot for animals and loved them all dearly. She was a huge fan of Wake Forest sports teams, showcasing her passion for athletics. Known for her adventurous spirit, she enjoyed driving around town in her little red Corvette or her blue pickup truck. 

Christmas held a special place in Gaynelle's heart. She dedicated herself to planning festive celebrations, beginning as soon as January rolled around. Her impressive collection of over 200 nutcrackers filled her home, which transformed it into a magical Christmas Wonderland for the numerous holiday gatherings and dinners she hosted.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her son, Jay Conner and wife Carol Joy Conner of Newport, NC; daughter, Kerry Anne Conner-Briggs and husband Dale Briggs of Vass, NC; grandchildren, Barrett-Anne Briggs, and Emi Briggs and fiancé Dawson Bigford, all of Vass, NC; and special caregivers, Michelle Cape, Tawnya Davis, Denise Willis, and Savannah Abney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Morehead City Church of Christ, 209 Barbour Rd., Morehead City, NC 28557, or the Carteret County Humane Society, 853 Hibbs Rd., Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.