Meghan Mayo Conner

Meghan Nya Conner, true to her dynamic spirit, darted into this world on October 10, 1984, with sleeves rolled up, ready to tackle whatever the storm blew on her path – and whatever blew onto the paths of others. For Meghan made her mark standing in front, a believer in justice, an advocate for all, a defender of rights. Meghan was the greatest defender of her and Alex’s twins, Margaret Lynne (Maggie) and Vivian Renee (Vivie), who sailed with her into the greater world (universe) beyond on September 5, 2026.

Meg, called by many, stood proud, making life happen as she worked toward her goals. A creative cook in her own right, she initially completed an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Culinary Arts from Mountwest Community and Technical College (MCTC), Huntington, WV. Eager for more, she achieved a Bachelor of Arts in History, Marshall University (MU), Huntington, WV. But those who knew Meg watched her press forward; she quickly added a Master of Arts in History from MU to her resume. With a heavy dose of history, she sought avenues in which she could impact the world around her. So, she packed her kids and dogs and headed to West Virginia University where she was ABD toward a doctorate in History. Having been heavily involved in social causes at Marshall University and dedicated to her roots, she quickly narrowed her doctorate focus – always forging forward as an advocate – in the name of justice for those forgotten. Thus, she directed her energy toward Women’s Studies, history, and culture; particularly in Appalachia - teaching, presenting, publishing, and podcasting to reignite our appreciation and activism in traditional lifestyles, medicinal herbs and home remedies, addiction and its impact, generational storytelling and lore of old, and community organization and unionization. Her thinking was deep and vast. These accolades only touch the intensity with which she drove toward life – it would take a dissertation to address them. Again – Meghan – a believer in justice, an advocate for all, a defender of rights – standing in front - tackling whatever the storm blew onto the paths of others.

But - with all her accolades – everyone knew, her greatest cause – mom and wife - first and foremost. She loved, adored, cherished, celebrated – her family! Her plethora of videos and pictures of cheering at ball games or quiet at gymnastics, driving to tournaments, pressing for homework, hurrying to school, shopping for the girls’ hair ribbon and shoes, sizing for the boys’ helmets, frantically searching in the back of the sedan for a bookbag, beating the kids down a slide, cutting veggies for dinner, chatting with hubby on the front porch, checking dad’s eating patterns, letting out the dogs, decorating for Halloween, …. That is our Meghan, she will be missed.

Meghan was preceded in death by her mother, Erma Fridley Collier (formerly of Point Pleasant, WV), and her brother, Bradley Aaron Mayo (formerly of Huntington, WV). She is survived by her adoring husband, Alex R. Conner, and five amazing children: Richard T. Knapp III, Cosette C. Knapp, Ethan S. Knapp, Mairin A. Knapp, and Karma Alexis Conner. Meghan is also survived by her loving father and stepmother Timothy and Donna Mayo (Huntington, WV). She is further survived by her half-sister and stepsisters: Amy Marie Noble (Louisville, KY), Krystal Adkins, Katie Nida, and Kandice Fuller (Huntington, WV). She is also survived by her dearest friend Megan Renee Johnson (Joe) (Huntington, WV). Meghan will be missed by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her students. Meghan is a treasure – a gift – we are thankful for walking her path.

Services will be conducted on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Reger Funeral Home, 1242 Adams Avenue, Huntington, WV. Family and friends may visit beginning at 2 PM. Services begin 4 PM. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfuneralhome.com.