Connie Bilyeu

Choir teacher Age: 79

Connie Bilyeu, a beloved choir teacher and revered matriarch of a musical Ozarks family, died Dec. 14, 2020, of complications from COVID-19. She was 79.

A member of a gospel group when she was growing up, Bilyeu taught vocal music in Springfield for three decades.

“Her loved ones could not be with her when she passed, but she died with the promise of a happy reunion with those who have gone before,” wrote her son Mark Bilyeu, co-founder of the Ozarks family band Big Smith.

Bilyeu’s choirs repeatedly wowed in regional competitions. For 21 consecutive years, her choirs received the highest rating among large ensembles in the state.

“She had many crazy talented kids through the years that just absolutely worshipped her,” said Alberta Smith, who followed Bilyeu into music education. “I think I pushed myself so hard because I expected to be like she was. She was extraordinary.”