ANNANDALE, Va. — Commodore Conyers had a passion for Savannah State University and his community. The long time educator and community leader died at his Albany, Ga. home on Aug. 15. He was 84.
Conyers, a 1958 graduate of Savannah State, was a life member of the SSUNAA and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. A long-time supporter of the university and the SSUNAA, Conyers served as president of the SSUNAA Greater Albany Chapter for several years and was the 2014 Savannah State University Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. He was recently nominated to be inducted into the SSU Foundation Hall of Fame Class of 2015.
“As we all know, he was truly a Smart, Bold and Proud Tiger who loved his alma mater,” said Dr. Cheryl Dozier, the president of Savannah State University in an email to the university community.
Conyers devoted his time and talents and helped raise funds for several organizations including the 100 Black Men of Albany, Strive to Thrive Albany, his alma mater, Savannah State University, where he majored in industrial education, and the American Legion Post 512. He also held advanced degrees from Valdosta State University (’79 – Vocational Administration) and Albany State University (’86 – Administration and ’90 – Administration and Supervision).
Aside from his philanthropic efforts, Conyers was an educator, and former principal of Dougherty High School in Albany, Ga. and an activist for educators. After leaving Dougherty High he served the school board as the head of the county’s career tech program. He was also a Deacon and former Superintendent of Sunday School at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Albany.
“The entire Savannah State University National Alumni Association family is saddened by the loss of Mr. Commodore Conyers,” said Clyde Newton the National President of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association. “Mr. Conyers has been a leader and mentor in SSUNAA for many years. His dedication and commitment to excellence will serve as his legacy to all of us.”
Conyers served in many capacities in public service in and around Albany. He was sworn in to the Dougherty County Water, Gas, and Light Board in January 2007 and also served on the election board for Dougherty County and was a member of the Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum board of directors.
“We certainly appreciate his dedicated service and committed support to Savannah State University, said Charles Young, the chairman of the Savannah State University Foundation. “May God continue to bless, comfort, strengthen and sustain his family and friends, and give them peace.”
A Wake service will be held on Friday, August 21, 6 – 8 pm at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (325 Whitney Avenue) in Albany and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 3 pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (901 S. Westover Blvd.) in Albany.
{Originally posted to SSUNAA.org}
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