Delane “Deane” Constance Bunch Connor, of Eutawville, beloved wife of Fred Connor and a dedicated teacher and guidance counselor, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at the age of 74, following a period of declining health.
Deane was born on July 21, 1951, in Harleyville to the late Willie “Bill” Bunch and Helen “Connie” Thompson Bunch.
Deane was a 1969 graduate of Harleyville-Ridgeville High School and earned her undergraduate degree from the Baptist College at Charleston, now known as Charleston Southern University, in 1973. Two years later, she earned her master’s degree from the Citadel.
In 1978, Deane married Fred Connor III.
Deane’s decades-long career in private and public education included Mims Academy, Holly Hill High School, Holly Hill Intermediate School and Holly Hill Middle School. She taught typing, shorthand and other business skills. She later became a guidance counselor to countless children in Orangeburg County School District 3. On many outings, she’d encounter former students – some she’d not seen in decades. It brought her great joy when former students told her about the impacts she made in their lives.
Deane was a longtime Sunday School teacher and treasurer at Bethlehem Southern Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Potpourri Garden Club and Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary board member.
Deane is survived by her husband, their children, Constance Connor Maharrey (Patrick), of Eutawville and Frederick William Connor of Augusta, Ga.; grandchildren Reagan Grace Maharrey and Brighton Connor Maharrey of Eutawville; and brother Billy (Betty) Bunch, of Eutawville.
Deane’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to Rebecca Washington for her dedicated love and care.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11-12PM at Bethlehem Southern Methodist Church, 229 Bethlehem Road, Holly Hill. A memorial service will follow at 12PM.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Southern Methodist Church, PO Box 595, Eutawville, SC 29048.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.