Mr. Ezell Conner

Ezell Conner was born on January 27,1943 in Freeport, Florida, the third child of Benjamin and Maggie Conner's nine children. Ezell attended Liberia Elementary School in Freeport, Florida and attended Tivoli Middle School and Tivoli High School in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. As a child, Ezell Was the most adventurous among his siblings, taking chances that his brothers and sisters refrained from taking as they were growing up. Ezell was an outstanding football player in high school. His athleticism earned him a college scholarship at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. At Lane, Ezell majored in physical education and health and minored in biology and earth science. Ezell was drafted into the United States Army during the summer of July 1965 and completed his basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Amazingly, Ezell earned the rank of Sergeant E5 in ten months. In September of 1970, Ezell moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was immediately hired by Milwaukee Public school as a physical education teacher assigned to Wells Street Junior High School In addition to teaching at Wells, Ezell taught at Rufus King High School for the Gifted and Talented, Riverside University High School, Juneau High School, and Bay View High School. Ezell met the love of his life, Beverly Watson, while he and Beverly were teachers at Wells. After their courtship, the couple united in Holy matrimony. Two loving sons, Erik and Edwin, were born to their union. Ezell and Beverly were dedicated to their marriage of fifty-one years. Ezell's work ethic as an educator was one that valued professionalism, time management, and punctuality. His belief was that all students will learn, regardless of their socioeconomic status and ethnic backgrounds and that students succeeded by having fortitude and determination toward accomplishing their goals. Throughout his career, Ezell treated people with respect and dignity. In addition to his employment in the Milwaukee Public Schools Ezell taught conflict resolution classes at McPherson College for over 20 years, culminating in 34 years of dedicated service as an educator. Ezell retired in June of 2002 from his position of principal of Bay View High School. In 2004 Ezell was asked to return to the school district as the principal of Douglas Elementary School. His expertise was valued as a mentor and coach of school administrators. , Very important in Ezell's life was his membership as a congregant of St. Peter Immanuel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. There, Ezell served as an usher, trustee of the church, and attended Bible classes weekly. Ezell later transferred his membership to Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, serving under the leadership of his brother-in-law, Dr. Maurice Watson. Ezell was formally recognized for his achievements and received numerous awards and recognition's: Top Ladies of Distinction Father and Son Award; Lane College Life Member Award; Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance for Black School Educators Treasurer Award; and the HBCU Community Service Award were among the awards and recognition received. Ezell was an avid and skillful golfer and loved the challenges of competitive card games, especially poker. He also recognized the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and exercised frequently at the YMCA. On September 22, 2023, the Lord wrapped Ezell in his loving arms and carried him home. Ezell is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Maggie Conner; brothers, Percell (Carolyn) and Ozell (Willie Jean) Conner, and Calvin Watson of North Little Rock, AR. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Beverly Conner of Milwaukee, WI; sons, Erik (Chankham) of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Edwin (LeeAnna) of Germantown, WI; four granddaughters, Tila, Abby, Layla of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Gianna of Germantown, WI; brothers.john (Ida Jean) of Lynn Haven, FL, Ben of Freeport, FL, Don (Debra) of Mary Ester, FL, and Rochelle of Brown Deer, WI; sisters, Magadelene Potter (Wayne) of Vernon, FL, Jeraldine Smith (Willie) of Orlando, FL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sherman Watson (Esther), Sandra Dickerson and Dr. Linda Watson, all of North Little Rock, AR, Patsy Baker (Kenny) of Rockledge, FL, Dr. Maurice Watson (Janice) and Charlotte Joyner (Lawrence), both of Little Rock, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews and many spiritual sons, daughters and friends.

Mr. Ezell Conner

January 27, 1943 - September 22, 2023