Will Conway: a blessing to everyone he met

Will Conway never let his medical issues stop him from being a beacon of light everywhere he went. Because of Will, many will benefit for years to come. Conway died Friday, May 15, at the age of 32.

Some years back, Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace made Will an honorary deputy sheriff. Ford Emery, now retired from the Sheriff’s Office, often took Conway riding with him in his patrol vehicle. It was on these rides that the two bonded, something Emery says he will cherish forever.

“He was a great young man, always smiling. He always came to the gym with us, and in that environment, he was just one of the guys, he caused everyone around him strive to be a better person,” Emery said.

“If everybody in this world had his outlook on life, this world would be a better place. He will be missed in this town. I hope he knew how many people loved him,”

One of those people was Vicksburg restaurateur Will Hood.

“He was a dear friend,” he said. “The highlight of our year is our annual Christmas fundraiser for Jacob’s Ladder and Rainbow Farms. It’s because of Will that we agreed to host it some 16 years ago. Will always brought out the best in everyone. No matter how bad a day I was having, a visit from him could change that.”

It is because of Will Conway and a couple of other developmentally disabled people that Jacob’s Ladder Learning Center exists. Eustice and Kathy Conway joined with Cheryl Grogan, Steve Bryant and others to create a school so that these young people could gain a sense of normalcy in their day-to-day lives.

Edward Herring is president of Jacobs Ladder’s board. He remembers Conway for “that quirky smile,” Herring said. “He had heart of gold.

“The Mayor and Alderman made him the honorary Mayor posthumously on Monday. But he had been the Mayor for years, everywhere he went he knew everybody. People gravitated to him.”

“We have been looking to move Jacob’s Ladder for some time. The board is already discussing naming the new center in Will Conway’s honor and memory,” Herring added.

Will Conway’s legacy will live on as a wonderful blessing in our community and in the memories of all who were blessed to have known him.

George Wilson “Will” Conway passed away peacefully, May 15, 2020, surrounded by loved ones at home. He was 32 years old.

Will, a native of Vicksburg, attended Children’s House Montessori, the Vicksburg Early Education Center, Beechwood Elementary School and Jacobs Ladder Learning Center. He participated in Special Olympics, Buddy Basketball, Challenge League Baseball, Camp Silver Cloud, Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, and the Mardi Gras Parade. Will was a member of The Boys Night Out Club and the Monday Night Football Group at Beechwood Restaurant with Will Hood. He worked at McAlister’s Deli as a greeter and loved it. Will also enjoyed going to the YMCA and visiting with all his friends. He took great joy in therapeutic horseback riding with Leigh Ann Nosser, fishing with Greg Hayes and riding shotgun with Ford Emery. Will loved being with his family at Eagle Lake, listening to country music and keeping up with his Facebook friends.

Will was a member of the Church of Holy Trinity and First Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Eustace Conway Jr., and his uncle, George Sherman Cronia Jr.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eustace Conway III; his brother, Eustace Cowan Conway and wife, Mary-Hendrix and their children, Tace and Kiger of Madison, Mississippi; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Sherman Cronia Sr., of Vicksburg; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped Will throughout his lifetime, including Delta Fresenius Dialysis Group, staff of Medical Associates, staff of River Region, staff of Promise Hospital, Annette Scott, Tammy Hatchett, Donna Jones, Tashiba Hatchett as well as the board, staff and students of Jacobs Ladder Learning Center. We are humbled and grateful.

Thank you to Encompass Home Health and Hospice who provided such special care for our son.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to: Jacobs Ladder Learning Center, 1017 Harrison Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

Arrangements for the memorial services will be forthcoming.