Nellie B. Connor

Nellie Bonita Connor (nee Borders) was born on February 12th, 1954, the fifth of eight children, to parents Earnest and Nellie Ruth Borders (nee Teague) in Flatcreek, Alabama. Later that same year, the family relocated from Flatcreek all the way to Cleveland, OH and settled here. She attended Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from Glenville High, class of 1971. Both of Nellie's parents, two brothers, Earnest "Chuck" Borders and Reverend Gary H. Borders, and two sisters, Linda F. Hampton and Gloria Sumbry preceded her in death. In 1971, Nellie and Leon Stevenson welcomed her first child, Jenice Borders, into the world. And in 1975 Nellie was doubly blessed, giving birth to her second child, Ernest Connor and marrying David Connor later that same year. In the spring of 1982, Davida Connor arrived, Nellie's third blessing. And towards the end of the summer in 1983, Nellie gave birth to her youngest child, David Connor. In 1982, she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and was baptized at Holy Trinity Baptist Church. Over her 36 years as a member, she served on the usher board, mission, Sunday school, cotillion, and women's fellowship. She spent nearly all of her 64 years living on Cleveland's east-side. During her time in the workforce, Nellie worked tirelessly in the service of others. She spent several years in the healthcare industry, first spending time at the Cleveland Clinic and later at Windsor Hospital. In her later years, Nellie took a position tutoring young minds at Adlai Stevenson Elementary. In Nellie's youth, she enjoyed dancing, cheerleading and was also an avid bowler. She loved to travel, making her way to almost every corner of the United States. And in her later years, she loved to spoil her 9 grandkids -- Brandyn, Treston, Brianna Michelle, Brianna Danyelle, Caleb, Yusuf, Devin, Thomas Jr., and Grayson. Nellie leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Jenice Borders; her son, Ernest Connor (Felicia); her daughter, Davida Connor; her son David Connor; one sister, Wanda L. (Nate) Seay; two brothers, Deacon Carson L. (Clara) Borders and Deacon Winston (Jacqueline) Borders; her 9 grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. And a special acknowledgment of her dear friends, her sisters in the name of love, Jackie Calabrese, Althea Calhoun and Helen Howard-Brown (who preceded her in death).