Willie Pearl Dempsey Conner

Obituary for Willie Pearl Dempsey Conner

Willie Pearl Dempsey Conner, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Liberty, Texas.

Born on May 26, 1932, in Livingston, Texas, Willie was the beloved daughter of David and Ethel Walters Dempsey. She spent her childhood in Daisetta and attended Hull-Daisetta High School.

A woman of unwavering faith and quiet strength, Willie was a longtime and devoted member of Dayton First Assembly of God during the 52 years she lived in Dayton. After moving to Galveston five years ago to live with her son, she found fellowship at Coastal Community Church. Her faith was evident to all who knew her—she was truly a godly woman whose life was rooted in love and service.

Willie was known and cherished by many in Dayton as “the waitress” during her 29 years of dedicated service at Frank’s Seafood, a local institution. Her warmth, smile, and down-to-earth personality made every customer feel at home.

She lived a life of compassion, especially for the elderly and those in need. In her younger years, she regularly visited seniors and shut-ins at area nursing homes, always offering kindness and conversation. Willie also had a special talent for making Mayhaw jelly—famous among those who knew her—and she enjoyed the fellowship of her dear friends in the “Chatty Scrappers” group.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles Conner; her children Ethel Hiriart, Chuck Conner, Tommy Conner, and Cheryl Nugent; her parents; her brother Jim Dempsey; and her sister Loraine Goss; and grandchildren Shannon Padgett and Ricky Nugent.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Richard Conner and JoAnn Gilliland (and husband Mike); son-in-law Sid Hiriart; her brother Joe Dempsey; her sister Oleta Kellogg; her grandchildren Andy, Fanci, Kyle, Kelly, Charles, Conner, Bryan, Krystal, Colby, Brandon, Bradley, and Ashley; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews and special friends Richard and Linda Denson, Wes and Christy Foster.

A private family burial will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakdale Cemetery in Daisetta, Texas.

Willie’s legacy of faith, kindness, and love lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.