Long-Time Area Educator Carolyn O’Conner Dies At 83

A long-time area educator, civic leader and former Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother has died.
Mrs. Carolyn Shinault O’Conner, 83, of Covington, died Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at The Springs Nursing Home, Hot Springs.  
Mrs. O’Conner was the wife of the late Dewey Holeston “Bo” O’Conner.
Mrs. O’Conner was born Feb. 16, 1937, in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of the late Sidney Shinault and Sarah Ryan Shinault.  
She was a graduate of Pulaski High School as well as Emory and Henry College.  
Carolyn was employed as a teacher with the Sugar Grove School System, the Coeburn School System and was an English teacher with the Covington School System for a number of years before her retirement.  
Mrs. O’Conner was a member of Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church for over 60 years where she was very active in every aspect of the church.  
She was also a member of the Covington Woman’s Club, the zoning board, planning committee and the Salvation Army Board.  
Carolyn was also Christmas Mother for the city of Covington in 1970 and volunteered to help with the program for a number of years afterwards.
Mrs. O’Conner is survived by a son, Timothy Michael O’Conner of Covington; a daughter, Lee Ann Lowery and husband David of Gloucester; four grandchildren, Mackenzie Denby, Ryan Denby, Cade Lowery and Jordan Lowery; and a brother, Ronnie Schinault and wife Debbie.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. O’Conner was preceded in death by her infant son, Patrick O’Conner; her grandparents, Mitchell and Emily Shinault; and her brother, Joseph Shinault.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Hartsfield and the Rev. Doug Hollenbeck officiating.  
Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; ww.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.