Maria A. (“Candy”) Conner

Her Story...

Maria Antoinette (Stevens) Conner, formerly of Michigan City, owner of Candy Custom Creation in Atlanta, GA, transitioned from this life into eternal rest on February 19, 2023, at the age of 55, in Fayetteville, GA.

On November 25, 1967, a beautiful, baby girl was born to Janice M Stevens. She was given the nickname “Candy Bar” by her big sister Cooky (Anna) and she’s been known as “Candy” ever since. Her formative years were spent in San Antonio, TX with her Aunt Freida and Uncle Curtis Stevens. Returning to Indiana as a preteen, she attended Krueger Jr High and later graduated from Michigan City Rogers High School in 1985.  

A defining life moment came in April 1988 and again in July 1991 with the births of her sons Demetrius and Jahlil. There was no prouder Mama than Candy when it came to her boys. 

In 1992 she met her life partner, Tony Conner. After more than 20 years together, on August 19, 2017, they became husband and wife.  Shortly after reciting their vows, they moved to Atlanta, GA to start a new life.

Candy studied early childhood education, working as a childcare provider at Kidz Discovery Daycare in LaPorte, IN before moving to Atlanta.  Once in Atlanta, working with her best friend – Debbie Allison Payne, she became the Deputy Head Teacher at Future Scholars Christian Academy and was able to spread her wings as an entrepreneur - starting Candy Custom Creations, her own home-based business. 

Candy’s love for creating custom products was nurtured even more so when she became the Manager of Smoke Gods Smoke Shop.  While there, she not only managed the shop, but also increased her client base, her sales, and ultimately the entire business by networking and honing her craft.  Candy found her calling as a business owner and truly enjoyed helping others.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Parks; her grandparents, Anna & Lycurcus Stevens and her mother-in-law Rose Conner.

Candy is survived by her husband, Tony Conner; her sons, Demetrius Burks, Jahlil (Te’Era) Butler, Michigan City, IN, Jason Conner, Randy Griffin, and Isaiah Conner of Atlanta, GA; her daughter, Cheyenne Conner, LaPorte, IN; 12 grandchildren; her sisters, Anna (Steve) Thomas, Kingsford Heights, IN, Roberta (Raymond)Parks-Mitchell, Michigan City, IN, Christy (Rodrick)Nobles, San Antonio, TX, and Tamiko (Alec)Smith, Michigan City, IN, special friend Debbie Allison Payne, aunts and uncles, and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Candy's love, laughter, presence, and huge smile that could brighten any room will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

A Celebration of life will be Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 1pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 123 Helen St. Michigan City, Indiana 46360 with Dr. Stanley Mason to give Eulogy.

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