Connie Thompson Zanders

Connie Thompson Zanders was born on July 28, 1955 in Winter Garden, Florida to johnnie lee griffin and Mabel Elizabeth Ellison. Connie attended Phillis Wheatley and Apopka High School, as well as Orlando Votech for nursing Connie began her career in academia at Catalina Elementary School where she served for 24 years. Connie was hired as a teachers aide and later promoted to support students in the technology lab. During the evenings and summers Connie worked as a licensed practical nurse providing healthcare services to persons with disabilities. In 1999. Connie was called to serve a higher purpose she resigned from her position at Catalina and opened her own in-home daycare over the years Connie received numerous recognitions and accolades from the early learning coalition for her outstanding service in early childhood education. As a testament to Connie's success, her daycare alums have excelled, from graduating high school with honors and earning advanced college degrees to enlisting in the United States Armed Forces. In 2017. Connie retired after 19 years in child care. Connie was a devoted mother. Daughter, sister, and aunt who loved to laugh and enjoy life. She was a devout Christian and member of temple of faith for over 40 years as a member, she was instrumental in originating and leading health and wellness workshops for her church sisters. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers [Andre Thompson, Fredrick Griffin, Sr. and John Ivey, Sr.] and sisters [Betty Williams, Angela Thompson and Mary Fountain]. Connie leaves to cherish her memories: 4 children: Ronald Beckett, Jr. of Orlando, Florida: Rodney Tyrone Beckett of Apopka, Florida, Rackel Lashawn Jackson (Louis) of Apopka, Florida; and Dr. Roshawnda Michelle Anderson (Michael) of Sugar Land, Texas: 5 brothers: Kenneth Thompson (Voncille) of Ocoee, Florida, Robert Griffin, Sr., James Griffin, Sr. (Tamara) and Ronnie Griffin all of Apopka, Florida; and Norris Griffin, Sr. of Lyons, new York; 5 sisters: Patricia Brown (Charles), Angela Griffin-Simmons (Michael) and Valerie griffin all of Apopka, Florida; Faye Griffin of Ridgeland, South Carolina; and Sucondra Griffin-Fisher (Timothy) of Leesburg, Florida: 1 sister-in-law: Ivy Griffin of Apopka, Florida; 8 grandchildren: Ronald Beckett II, Ceeashia Beckett, Robert Turner, Jr. Jordan Turner, Kierra Watson. Derrick ward, Jr. Shania ward and Alanah Anderson: 9 great-grandchildren: Izaysha Beckett. John Baker, Jr., Wynter Elleston, Jordyn Turner, Jaquan Mewborne, Jr., Legend Turner, Tony Hunt, Jr. Major Turner and Ashton Pringle and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins. family and sorrowing friends.

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Connie Thompson Zanders

July 28, 1955 - September 11, 2025