Salina Odessie Conner Obituary (1931

Salina Odessie (Gilreath) Conner was born into the family of John E and Dallas (Stevenson) Gilreath on July 1, 1931. She was one of 11 children. As an adult Salina's family looked to and relied on Salina for wise counsel and comfort. Salina was born in Center Ridge Arkansas. and after she completed her primary education she attended Omaha University and eventually Drake University. Salina received a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education. She was employed as a teacher in the Des Moines Public School system when she retired in 1999. Education was a passion for Salina, and she demanded excellence from her students and her own children. A grade of C was not allowed- you could always do better than a C. She was also a Sunday School teacher at her beloved Corinthian Baptist Church where she was a member for over 50 years. Salina volunteered to work at the free clinic at Corinthian for years. Though Salina was a strict teacher, she had a tender heart and generous, giving spirit. She helped the grandchildren pay for college if needed. She was an out spoken person that people loved being around. Salina was a champion for the underdog, and an advocate for justice and fair play on all levels of life. Salina answered the Master's call to rest on August 17, 2015 at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dallas Gilreath and her siblings, Jessie Lewis, Goldie Mayfield, LuJean Dunbar, Shirley Bell and John and Charlie Gilreath. Left to carry her legacy of love are her husband of 60 years, Dr. Julius Conner; her children, Julius Jr., Cris and Beth Hundley; her grandchildren, Jessica , Julius III and Julian 'Nicki' Conner, Sarah, Rebecca, Debra, Michael, Ricky and Chris Danover and Sasha Hundley along with a host of extended family and many friends. Cemetery Details Sunset Memorial Gardens 7601 Fleur Dr. Des Monies, IA, 50321 Funeral Service AUG 22. 10:00 AM Corinthian Baptist Church 814 School Street Des Moines, IA, US, 50309