Dr. Charlene Conner

Charlene was born to John Charles and Cora Bell Cooper on September 21,1947 in Fort Worth, Texas. The childhood dream of Frances Charlene Cooper was to be a teacher. This dream was put on hold for a few years.

Charlene met and married Patrick James Conner on January 21, 1967, and right away they went to Honolulu, Hawaii for about 2 years with the U.S. Navy. During this time Charlene went to work for the United States Civil Service, never dreaming of the opportunities she would have and of the supportive people she would encounter. She spent 25 years with Civil Service and during this time graduated with a BBA degree and an MBA degree from Dallas Baptist University, while receiving 13 promotions on her job. From her reflection of these years, Charlene remarks that she did not do this alone. God had a mighty hand in guiding her and sending special people to help her along the way. She is so very grateful for each one of them, and has tried, in turn, to help others get an education and better jobs.

After she graduated with her Master’s degree, she had the opportunity to teach at DBU in an adjunct capacity along with maintaining her Civil Service Position. She retired from Civil Service and began teaching full time at Dallas Baptist University in approximately 2002, fulfilling her childhood dream.

While at DBU she pursued a doctorate degree in Business Administration at the University of Sarasota and graduated in September 2004. Soon after Dr. Conner was selected as Dean of the College of Business at DBU and served in this capacity for many years. Dr. Conner also constructed the complete business program from nothing to accreditation with Parker University and most recently taught at University of North Texas at Dallas.

Charlene served on various advisory boards, and committees in her church, community, and on her job. She held Presidential Management Internship and Women’s Executive Leadership positions. Dr. Conner was instrumental in starting a charter school in Dallas and has a high school named after her. Charlene was always inspiring, encouraging and bringing people together in powerful ways. She loved fiercely, served tirelessly, lived mightily, was intelligent, intuitive, genuine, humble, and loyal. Dr. Conner led a rich and active life serving others and leaves a huge and rich legacy for everyone who knew her.

Her pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Patrick James, her two children John Patrick (Rochelle) and Julie Ann Bragg (Kevin), three grandchildren, James Conner, Jayce Kralick, and Khloe Bragg; one brother Joe Williams, and a whole host of extended family and special friends. She will be greatly missed.

The viewing will be a Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home at 4216 S. Bowen Rd Arlington, TX on October 11, 2022 from 5:00PM-8:00PM. Funeral service will be held at Tate Springs Baptist Church 4201 Little Rd. Arlington, TX on October 12 at 10:00AM and interred at The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.

Dr. Conner, along with her family, requests in lieu of flowers that you would consider donating to Dr. Charlene Conner Endowed Scholarship Fund at Dallas Baptist University. Donations may be made out to Dallas Baptist University, designated for her scholarship fund and mailed to Advancement Office at DBU, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211