Shelia O’Connor: FOX13 Memphis News Reporter Biography and Career
Shelia O’Connor is an American journalist currently serving as a morning reporter for FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV), a position she has held since joining the station in August 2019. Prior to this, she worked for two years at the NBC affiliate in Huntsville, Alabama, which is WAFF 48 News.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Alabama, O’Connor discovered her passion for journalism at a young age. Inspired by ESPN sports reporter Erin Andrews, she pursued a path in broadcast news while staying true to her love of sports—especially Alabama Crimson Tide football. She graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and Film.
Career Journey
O’Connor began her journalism career with internships and hands-on reporting roles that helped her sharpen her storytelling and production skills.
Career Highlights:
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~2016: Intern at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Alabama
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2016–2017: Reporter and producer at WVUA 23, where she edited nightly content, pitched stories, and created news packages
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2017–2019: Reporter at WAFF 48 News, the NBC affiliate in Huntsville, Alabama
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2019–Present: Morning Reporter and Fill-in Anchor at FOX13 Memphis
At FOX13, O’Connor covers a wide range of stories, from crime and community issues to human interest features. She is often on-air multiple times during the station’s 5.5-hour morning newscast and is praised for her ability to deliver live reports under pressure.
Notable Coverage
Some of her recent reporting includes:
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Community opposition to a proposed jail in Memphis’ New Chicago neighborhood (August 2025)
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The expansion of a Tennessee mentoring program for college students (August 2025)
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An interview with a witness in a mass murder investigation (August 2025)
Skills and Style
O’Connor describes herself as a multimedia journalist with strengths in multitasking, live reporting, scriptwriting, and video production. Her colleagues recognize her for her strong on-air voice, time management, and ability to adapt quickly in fast-paced news environments.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside the newsroom, O’Connor enjoys traveling, trying new foods, running on trails, and relaxing with Netflix. She remains a proud University of Alabama alum and frequently cheers on the Crimson Tide with her signature “Roll Tide!” posts on social media. She also engages with the Memphis community, encouraging residents to share story ideas and local hidden gems.
Shelia O’Connor Age:
Shelia O’Connor was born on August 5, 1995, making her 30 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Leo. She holds American nationality.
Shelia O’Connor Parents and Siblings:
Shelia O’Connor was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, a city recognized for its deep civil rights history and vibrant Southern culture. Growing up, she developed a strong interest in storytelling and journalism, inspired by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, who motivated her to pursue a career in broadcast news.
There is currently no verified public information available about Shelia’s parents, including their names, professions, or personal background.
O’Connor, has at least one sibling, a big sister, whom she celebrated in a heartfelt birthday tribute on January 17, 2024, writing:
“Help me wish the best big sister in the world a happy birthday!!!”
This confirms she has an older sister, though additional details remain private.
Shelia O’Connor Husband:
Shelia O’Connor, the morning reporter for FOX13 Memphis, married Ezekiel “Zeke” Lazaro on March 16, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee. The couple’s wedding was celebrated by friends and colleagues, with social media posts highlighting the event as a joyful occasion.
Ezekiel “Zeke” Lazaro, born on August 20, 1991, is approximately 34 years old and resides in Memphis. He has professional experience as an account executive at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Limited additional public details are available about his background or career.
Shelia O’Connor Height:
Shelia O’Connor stands at an estimated height between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches (170–175 cm) and maintains a healthy weight ranging from 130 to 145 pounds (59–66 kg).
Her body measurements are estimated at 34–36 inches (bust), 26–28 inches (waist), and 36–38 inches (hips). She typically wears a US dress size 6–8 and a shoe size 8–9.
Shelia O’Connor FOX13 Career Timeline:
Early Steps in Journalism
While studying at the University of Alabama, Shelia O’Connor gained valuable newsroom experience through internships and student media roles.
In 2016, she interned at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, where she learned the fundamentals of reporting, editing, and newsroom operations.
She later worked at WVUA 23, the university’s student-run station, producing and editing nightly news packages while also pitching and reporting on local stories.
First Professional Role – WAFF 48 News
After graduating in May 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and Film, O’Connor began her professional career at WAFF 48 News, the NBC affiliate in Huntsville, Alabama.
From 2017 to 2019, she worked as a multimedia journalist, covering breaking news, live shots, and community-focused stories.
The role gave her a strong foundation in field reporting and prepared her for larger-market opportunities.
FOX13 Memphis – Morning Reporter and Fill-In Anchor
In August 2019, O’Connor joined FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV) as a reporter. She quickly established herself as part of the morning team, delivering multiple live reports during the station’s 5.5-hour morning newscast.
Her responsibilities expanded to include evening news packages and occasional fill-in anchor duties, showcasing her versatility on air.
At FOX13, O’Connor has reported on a wide range of topics, from severe weather and local crime to political events and community initiatives. Notable assignments include coverage of:
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The 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia, which she described as a career highlight.
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Local elections and political visits, such as U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s 2022 visit to Memphis.
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Breaking stories in 2025, including the National Guard’s deployment in Memphis.
Shelia O’Connor’s colleagues at FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV):
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Valerie Calhoun | Morning Anchor |
| Ernie Freeman | Morning Anchor |
| Kaitlin Kenney | Meteorologist |
| Shea Simon | Traffic Anchor |
| Matt Barbour | Reporter |
| Tony Sloan | Reporter |
| Jeremy Pierre | Reporter |
| Darrell Greene | Evening Anchor |
| Mya Payton | Reporter |
| Chelsea Chandler | Meteorologist |
Shelia works closely with the morning team, especially anchors Valerie Calhoun and Ernie Freeman, meteorologist Kaitlin Kenney, and traffic anchor Shea Simon. Together, they deliver a 5.5-hour morning show packed with live reporting, weather updates, and traffic coverage.
Shelia O’Connor Net Worth and Salary:
Shelia O’Connor has built a solid career in broadcast journalism, which serves as her primary source of income. As of 2025, her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, a figure that reflects her earnings from television journalism along with possible contributions from endorsements and public appearances.
In her role as a morning news reporter and fill-in anchor at FOX13 Memphis, O’Connor is estimated to earn an annual salary between $72,000 and $303,000, consistent with market averages for reporters in her position and media market size.
Her consistent on-air presence, live reporting, and contributions to both morning and evening newscasts have positioned her as a respected and financially successful journalist in the Memphis area.
Is Shelia O’Connor Married?
Yes, Shelia O’Connor is married to Zeke Lazaro as of March 2024.
How Old Is Shelia O’Connor?
Where Is Shelia O’Connor?
As of 2025, Shelia O’Connor is actively working as a morning news reporter at FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV) in Memphis, Tennessee. She continues to deliver multiple live shots during the station’s 5.5-hour morning show and contributes news packages for the evening newscast.
Her recent appearances and reporting segments confirm she remains a prominent on-air presence in the Memphis media landscape. If you’re trying to catch her latest work, you can find her regularly featured on FOX13’s morning broadcasts and social media platforms.
Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shelia O’Connor |
| Date of Birth | August 5, 1995 |
| Age (2025) | 30 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace / Hometown | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Parents | No verified public information available |
| Siblings | At least one older sister (birthday tribute post – Jan 17, 2024) |
| Husband | Married Ezekiel “Zeke” Lazaro on March 16, 2024, in Memphis, TN |
| Spouse’s Background | Born Aug 20, 1991 (34 in 2025); works as an account executive at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) |
| Education | University of Alabama – Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and Film (2017) |
| Height | 5’7” – 5’9” (170–175 cm) |
| Weight | 130 – 145 lbs (59–66 kg) |
| Measurements | 34–36 (bust), 26–28 (waist), 36–38 (hips) |
| Dress Size / Shoe Size | US 6–8 / US 8–9 |
| Career Timeline | 2016: Intern, ABC 33/40 (Birmingham, AL) 2016–2017: Reporter/Producer, WVUA 23 (University of Alabama) 2017–2019: Multimedia Journalist, WAFF 48 News (NBC Huntsville, AL) 2019–Present: Morning Reporter & Fill-In Anchor, FOX13 Memphis |
| Career Highlights | Covered the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game (Alabama vs. Georgia); U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s 2022 visit to Memphis; and National Guard deployment in Memphis (2025) |
| Notable Coverage (2025) | Community opposition to proposed jail (Aug 2025); Tennessee mentoring program expansion (Aug 2025); Mass murder investigation witness interview (Aug 2025) |
| Skills | Live reporting, scriptwriting, video production, news package development, multitasking |
| Style | Recognized for her strong on-air presence, adaptability, and clear storytelling |
| Personal Interests | Traveling, trying new foods, trail running, Netflix, and supporting Alabama Crimson Tide (“Roll Tide!”) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1 million – $5 million |
| Annual Salary (2025) | $72,000 – $303,000 |
| Current Role (2025) | Morning News Reporter & Fill-In Anchor, FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV) |
| Marital Status | Married to Zeke Lazaro (since March 2024) |
Sources:
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelia-o-connor
- FOX13 Reporter Bio: https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/fox13newsstaff/shelia-oconnor-reporter/article_161204fa-74b1-11ed-a238-0b4540d980c4.html
- FOX13 Archives: https://www.fox13memphis.com/archives/shelia-oconnor/article_d839bcc9-d0a0-524f-a899-7fa2a07fae2c.html
- FOX13 News Team: https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/fox13newsstaff/
- Muck Rack Articles: https://muckrack.com/shelia-oconnor/articles
- FOX13 About Us: https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/
- FOX13 News Article: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/shelby-county-commissioners-to-discuss-national-guards-arrival-in-memphis/article_97d0a877-98be-457b-94a7-d36b019ea42e.html
- Qwoted Profile: https://app.qwoted.com/reporters/sheila-o-connor
- Facebook Photos: https://m.facebook.com/SheliaOConnorTV/photos/
- Facebook Bridal Post: https://www.facebook.com/SheliaOConnorTV/posts/happy-monday-i-had-so-much-fun-being-showered-by-such-wonderful-friends-this-wee/797657452177867/
- Facebook Sad Post: https://www.facebook.com/SheliaOConnorTV/posts/this-makes-me-so-sad-daniel-is-literally-one-of-the-best-reporters-at-fox13-and-/1091433572800252/
- Facebook Photo Post: https://m.facebook.com/SheliaOConnorTV/photos/d41d8cd9/1026195955990681/
- Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq8hFZQuuC1/?hl=en
- LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shelia-o-connor_its-finally-done-here-is-my-winter-anchor-activity-7295524492968128512-NokR
- Facebook Profile: https://m.facebook.com/SheliaOConnorTV/?locale=en_GB
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