Connie Jo McMullin

Connie Jo McMullin, 69, of Derby, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

She was born November 27, 1955, to Wayne and Willa Dean Bates in Springfield, Missouri. Connie graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

A lifelong advocate for children, Connie devoted her early years to being a stay-at-home mother before opening her own in-home daycare. She later started the Parents as Teachers program for Derby Public Schools, serving as Program Coordinator from 1992 until her retirement in 2015. Her compassion and dedication touched countless families.

Connie loved long walks, tending her flower beds, creating fairy gardens, and spending time with her grandchildren and dogs. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit will be dearly missed.

Visitation with family will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025, and the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2025, both at Smith Family Mortuaries, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS.

Preceded in death by her parents, Connie is survived by her children Joshua (Erica) McMullin, Sarah (Joshua) Dowell, and Zachary McMullin; grandchildren Alexis, Eli, Katie, Ashley, Macy, Lily, Colton, Chloe, Dominic, Emily, and Malakai; and sister, Beverly Bates.

Memorials may be made to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org (https://www.dementiasociety.org/).