Superintendent Emeritus Albert "Al" Conner

Superintendent Emeritus Albert “AL” Conner was born on October 6, 1945, in Pueblo, Colorado, to the late Pastor Willie B. Conner and the late Mother Inez Roland Conner. He was raised in a loving family with three siblings Margaret Will, William Conner, and the late David Lee Conner. His life was shaped by strong faith and family values, which later influenced his own ministry and personal endeavors. Superintendent Al Conner was saved at the age of eleven, during a summer revival, at First Church of God in Christ in Pueblo, CO under the pastorate of the late Bishop Dennis D. Burger. Superintendent Conner was faithful to Sunday School, Young People Willing Workers (Y.P.W.W.), and served as one of the choir directors. Superintendent Conner attended South High School in Pueblo, Colorado, where he competed and excelled in various activities, including playing the tuba in the high school band, football, and wrestling. He also received piano lessons from Mother Mary Baker and Sister Velda Fields. Albert graduated high school in 1963. He furthered his education at then-Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo, Colorado, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Programming and Systems Engineering. Superintendent Conner worked two years before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1966, demonstrating his commitment to serving his country. In 1969 he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. After his service in the military, he worked for Colorado State, where he became the first black manager in the state of Colorado for computer programming. He was instrumental in hiring many individuals from the church community and was prominent for his expertise in fixing computers. In 1989 Superintendent Conner won “Producer of the Year” for his pioneer cable television show, “Metro Notes” (featured local gospel singers, groups, and choirs) via the Denver Gospel Showcase hosted by the late Sylvia Penny. Superintendent Conner, was an integral part of First Church of God in Christ in Pueblo, Colorado, where he played the bass guitar in the renowned youth choir, often referred to as "The Best Choir in Colorado." He was also part of the singing group, “The Gospel Harmonizers” alongside Jimmy Sampson, Apostle Lewis Brown, Russell Brown, William Conner, and the late Willis Will. Later, he attended Greater Temple of Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Denver, Colorado, under the leadership of the late Bishop H.F. Kelly, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Minister of Music, and Assistant Pastor. Superintendent Conner had a deep love for music which was evident in his various pursuits. Notably, he played the bass guitar for the Colorado State Choir under the direction of the late Pastor Debra Clay and Evangelist Cynthia Maxwell. Additionally, he shared his musical talents by teaching numerous individuals to play the piano and organ. His enthusiasm for music also extended to playing the cowbell, showcasing his versatility in music. In 1971, Albert met the love of his life, Iola Ware, in Omaha, Nebraska, after being introduced by Eddie Staton, his best friend. Their love story unfolded as he would drive from Pueblo to Omaha every weekend to visit her, culminating in their marriage in 1972. They moved to Denver, Colorado in 1973 and welcomed two beautiful daughters, Yori Ateri and Monique "Moni" LeeAnn, who brought immense pride and joy to his life. His grandchildren, Emon and Emari, were his heart, and he enjoyed teaching them various skills, including computer building and piano playing. His hobbies and interests included a passion for old WW2 movies, boxing, and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a car enthusiast, particularly fond of his 1970 red Camaro, 1978 blue Camaro, and 1982 white Cougar. He loved attending car shows and was a huge supporter of the Colorado Riders. Train nativities were a special interest of his, and he enjoyed collecting them. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor, often spreading joy to those around him. New Covenant Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.), Incorporated was founded by Superintendent and First Lady Conner in 2006 with five members. On January 1, 2007, the first official service was held in a small, “store front,” church located at 34 th and Franklin in Denver, CO. God blessed the ministry to outgrow the building in February 2008 and relocated to two locations with over five ministries and with a congregation of over fifty. In 2010 Superintendent Conner was appointed, by Bishop Roosevelt Dunn, as Chairman of the Ordination Board for the Colorado Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (CEJ) Church of God in Christ. Bishop Dunn also appointed him as Superintendent of the New Dimension District in January 2011, and was Emeritized by Bishop W.H. McDonald in 2024. He was a no-nonsense man of God, whose presence was respected. A glance over his glasses was all it took to know, you were in trouble, and correction was coming. Through his ministry, Superintendent Conner influenced many lives, with his wisdom, guidance, correction, and unique style of teaching the Bible. Superintendent Conner left an indelible mark on the lives of his spiritual sons and daughters. His legacy extends beyond his family to the Montbello community, where he was lovingly known as "Pops" and accepted everyone for who they were. Superintendent Conner enjoyed fellowshipping with others through food and fostering meaningful connections. With a global network of friends, he was particularly close to, his friend, the late Eddie Staton, Gary Howell, Bishop Charles Jackson, Bruce Lawson, Yakov Moym, Brother Jerry Whittington, Bishop Rayfield Whittington, the late Pastor David Young, Bishop Gabriel Hatcher, the late Superintendent Andrew Singleton, the late Superintendent Chester Maxwell, and his god brother Apostle Lewis Brown. He is preceded in death by Pastor Willie B. Conner (father), Mother Inez Conner (mother), David Lee Conner (brother), Mr. Albert Ware (father-in-law), Mother Eardist Ware (mother-in-law), Elder Willis Will (brother-in-law), Nathaniel Ware (brother-in-law), and Theresa Will (niece). Superintendent Albert Conner is survived by his beautiful wife of 54 years, Evangelist Missionary Iola Conner of Denver, CO; daughters Yori (Daryl) Conner-Abrams of Denver, CO, and Monique (Elvin) Bell of Denver, CO; grandchildren Emari and Emon Bell of Denver, CO; sister Margaret Will of Colorado Springs, CO; brother Bill (Henrietta) Conner of Pueblo, CO; sisters-in-law: Annie Ruth Ware of Aberdeen, MS, Mother Liz (Willie) Carter of Chicago, IL; nieces: Michelle (Thomas) Wills-Hill of Colorado Springs, CO, Richawn (Keabona) Randell of Chicago, IL, Sharon Ware of Atlanta, GA, Chaundra Conner of Loveland, CO, Kristeen (Jordan) Serracino of Denver, CO, and Nephews Deon Ware of Aberdeen, MS, and Anthony Carter of Chicago, IL; 11 great nephews and nieces; additional family, spiritual sons and daughters, New Covenant Church of God in Christ, Inc., church family, and a host of friends.

Superintendent Emeritus Albert "Al" Conner

October 6, 1945 - April 3, 2025