Dawn Deneen Conley

Dawn Deneen Conley was born on a bright fall day, September 25, 1964, to Levi Conley and Aretha Marie Conley in Saint Louis, Missouri. From the start, her family knew she was someone special—a light that would shine bright for those around her. As a child, Dawn embraced faith early in life, finding her spiritual roots at Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ferguson, Missouri, where her father, Pastor Levi Conley, led the congregation. Faith would become her guiding force, something that she would hold onto and reaffirm during both the joyful and challenging moments of her journey.

Dawn had a gift that not everyone possesses—a heart that overflowed with mercy. She gave her time, her food, and her love, without hesitation, to anyone in need. Whether it was a hot meal for someone who was hungry or an encouraging word when someone felt lost, Dawn was there. She would often feed the homeless, staying until every bit of food was gone. And even then, she felt only the sting of wishing she had more to give. Her love for others was limitless.

But Dawn was not just a provider—she was a motivator, an encourager, a storyteller. With her sense of humor and a desire to lift up others, she found new ways to connect. She started creating YouTube videos, filled with life lessons, moments of laughter, and reflections on her walk of faith. She shared her journey—the ups and downs, the lessons learned—with anyone who needed to hear that they were not alone. Through these videos, her loved ones could see her growth and how God had shaped her life. She invited everyone to laugh with her, to find joy even in the small things, and to understand that each of us is on a path, guided by a higher purpose.

Dawn had simple pleasures that brought her great joy—caring for her plants, tending to her vibrant green leaves with the same love she gave her family. And there were her famous gatherings, where her delicious charcoal barbecue was always the highlight. But perhaps nothing was more loved than her potato salad, a dish that became a family favorite, a warm comfort that found its way to every gathering and brought everyone closer.

On October 23rd, 2024, at 4:23 in the quiet hours of the morning, the world lost Dawn, but her spirit, her kindness, and her love were far too strong to fade away. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the countless acts of kindness that were the core of who she was.

She leaves behind her devoted son, Levi Conley of Oklahoma City, and her two beautiful daughters, Kayla Conley, also of Oklahoma City, and Zoe Conley of Atlanta, Georgia. Her love carries on in her four grandsons, Daezjon, Keneen, Ryu, and Akeem, as well as her cherished granddaughter, Cali Dawn, who carries her name as a testament to the legacy of love she left behind.

Dawn’s sisters, Roxanne McDaniels, Lynn Shaw, and Janet Acey, along with her brothers, Steven, Darryl, and James, remember her not just as family but as a guiding light—the sister who always had time, who always listened. Her mother, Annette Conley, and her beloved Aunt Vivian hold her memory close, finding comfort in the love they shared. And her nieces and nephews—Shawna, Regina, Wayne, Chris, Chantrell, Damion, Quiwana, Governor, Elijah, Jon, Justin, and Jamarious—all carry a piece of Dawn with them, in their hearts and in their memories of her generous spirit.

Dawn’s life was one of kindness, resilience, and strength—a beautiful soul who touched everyone she met. Her heart was open, her laughter infectious, and her spirit unwavering. She reminded us all of the power of generosity and the importance of faith. Though she has left this world, her light lives on in those who knew and loved her, guiding us to be kinder, to give more freely, and to live our lives with the same open heart that Dawn showed each and every day.

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