Anna Belle (Golden) Connor

Anna Belle Connor was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina on April 25, 1927 to Ernest Lee Golden and Ruth M. (Harris) Golden. Educated in the public schools of North Carolina, Anna graduated from Lincoln Heights High School as the Salutatorian of her class. She matriculated to Shaw University, in Raleigh, where received a Bachelor of Arts degree in May 1948. While attending Shaw, she met Shade J. Connor, with whom she was united in holy matrimony on October 4, 1948. In May 1968, she also earned a Master's degree in Library Science from North Carolina College of Durham, now North Carolina Central University. Until 2012, Anna resided in Gary, Indiana, where she was a longtime, faithful member of St. Timothy Church. She retired from the Gary Community School Corporation with over 25 years of service, including 20 years as the Librarian at Westside High School. Anna was a devoted Life Member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa. Her love for her sorority was demonstrated by the numerous leadership positions that led to her election as Basileus of the Beta Mu Chapter for four terms, Regional Director, National Scholarship Chair, and the creator of Teach-A-Rama. In addition, Anna was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a Life Member of the NAACP. She also assisted at the local level with Barack Obama's first presidential campaign and attended his Inaugural Ceremony in 2009. Anna was called to her Heavenly Home on Monday, July 1, 2013 at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to her husband and parents, Anna was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters. She is survived by her sister, Edith O.Turner of Columbus, Ohio; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Golden; nephews, Jimmy (Delores) Golden, Michael (Terri) Dobbins, Derrick Golden, and Eric Golden; nieces, Ruth (Wes) White, Dianne McLinn, Paulette (Derrick) Coleman, Lisa Carter, Deborah (Donald) Smith, and Donna Turner; special cousins, Maxine Patterson, Lillie Ann (Paul) Shelton, and Robert Harriston; goddaughter, Cheryl Ramsey; special friends, Frances Washington, Imogene Edwards and Marion Crawford Griffin; and a host of other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life 2 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2013 in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St., where the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the start of service. Interment Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Jones - Connor Scholarship Fund at P.O Box 4131, Gary, Indiana 46404. The family is also planning to hold a memorial service in the Gary, Indiana area. Details will be announced at a later date.