b. February 13, 1941

by Eugenie (Genie) Waddell Carr, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, NC, 2016

According to Jocelyn Connors, “Being an Episcopalian has offered me a vision of the Gospel and a vocation that rewards and sustains me… I try to follow the teachings of Jesus as well as I can, and I am grateful for the wonderful circle of friends, mentors, counselors and pastors that I have known over the years.”

Jocelyn grew up in Charlotte and was confirmed at Christ Church, where she and her husband, Tom Connors, also were married. She is a graduate of Sweet Briar College. Jocelyn and Tom are the parents of three grown children and grandparents of seven.

Jocelyn and Tom are members of St. Paul’s, Winston-Salem – again. They resided in Winston-Salem and were members of St. Paul’s from 1964 to 1975, then spent 35 years in Virginia before returning to St. Paul’s in 2010. Jocelyn reports that “in the past, I taught Sunday School and volunteered with the bazaars. In the last seven years, I have been a member of a Small Group, served on the Christian Formation Committee and chaired the Faith & Justice Committee.” In the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, she was a vestry member, served on the Commission on Ministry, was a Lay Eucharistic Visitor, and participated in other activities.

Her involvement in parishes in North Carolina, and in Virginia, has provided sustenance for her life, and a way of giving thanks for that nourishment. “It has sustained me through times of joy and sorrow and given me strength and wisdom as I have journeyed through life. I love the liturgy, the community, the compassion, and the friendships that are all a part of the church life.”