Yvonne Conner

Yvonne Yvette Conner (nee Kent), 55, of Shiloh, IL, born on September 4, 1969, in Detroit, MI, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at her residence.

She was educated in the Detroit Public School System and pursued higher education at various institutions.

Yvonne called herself the “Household Goddess” and ran the “zoo” she called home. Affectionately nicknamed “Dr. Dolittle,” Yvonne helped raise and take care of not only her children but a variety of animals. Her children fondly recall growing up with various cats and dogs, fish tanks, reptiles, guinea pigs, and even flying squirrels. She also loved birds. Her favorite bird was the hummingbird. Yvonne would pull over onto the side of the road to help an injured animal. Always having open arms for anyone who needed it. Her husband, John, happily states that the couple had many “adopted children” as many of their children’s friends would call Yvonne “mom”. Yvonne was a force of nature, having a very specific way of doing things, yet it was always with care. It attests to the fact that she was one of the most caring and loving individuals around. Being a caregiver was in her nature, either by running the zoo that was her house or being a “mom” and “sister” to those around her. Though the love for her is still present, she will be missed dearly.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Geneva Kent (nee Lacewell); a sister, Valerie Walker; and many dear pets- Precious, Sonny, Pete, Baby, Diamond,

Nefertiti, Osiris, Tia, and Clifford.

Yvonne is survived by her loving husband, John W. Conner, Jr. of IL; four children, Maurice A. (Terri) Conner of DE, Xavier K. Conner of IL, Donovan J. Conner of VA, Valeree V. Conner of IL; two sisters, Deborah Kent of MI, Cynthia (Harold) Williams of OH; three grandchildren, Jayden Seeny-Conner of DE, Jordan Seeny-Conner of DE, and Maurice A. Conner, Jr. of DE; two nieces, Ashley Walker of GA, Tiana Winchester of OH; a nephew, Kent Walker of GA; and God Sister, Vicki McClinton (nee Vorus) beloved dog, Hunny. And her special friends: Amma Knight of OH, Demetrius Brooks-Jenkins) and Nina Burnett (nee Falls) of MI, LaTasha Archie and Tiffanie Leavell of DE, Shannon Reeves of VA, and Sharaunda Betts of IL.

Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society; https://bahspets.org/donate/. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Her family invites close friends and relatives to join them for a celebration of life and birthday party for Yvonne on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Please wear blue in honor of Yvonne. Please contact the family for location details.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services.