Connie Cross Barrow, 79, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. A native of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Connie made her home in Louisiana to be near the family she loved so dearly.

Born on February 13, 1947, Connie was so much more than a sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was the heart of the family. She was the one who loved and believed the best in everyone. She never judged people by their worst moments. Connie had a way of looking at someone and seeing the good in them, even when they couldn't see it in themselves. She had a remarkable ability to make the people around her feel special, accepted, and loved unconditionally .

Connie spent her career as a registered nurse, working as a prison and rehabilitation nurse. Caring for others was simply who she was, but her most important work happened outside of the workplace. She was always there for her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved her babies fiercely. Whether it was attending an activity, lending a helping hand, or simply showing up because someone she loved needed her, Connie could always be counted on.

She was also, without question, the best cook most people will ever meet. She took great pride passing her recipes down to family members, ensuring that a little piece of her will always live on. And while many will try, no one will ever make fried pork chops, smothered cabbage, and greasy potatoes quite like Aunt Connie.

Connie loved reading, watching Law & Order, eating ice cream and other sweets, going to the beach, and spending time with the people who meant the most to her. Her greatest joy was her family, and there was never any doubt about how deeply she loved them.

She was the daughter of the late William “Tink” Cross and the late Lillian Bell Cross, and was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, George Kestler, sister-in-law, Marie Taylor, and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She leaves behind her daughters, Samantha and Kaylee (John); her niece, Kassiah (Todd), and nephews, Dennis (Jaime), Guy, Michael, Timothy, Stephen, and Kevin; her siblings, Carol (Ebrahim), Bill (Diana), and Bonnie; her grandchildren, Kameron (Ronnette), Montgomery (Meredith), Pattersen, Mechelle, Waverly, and Warner; her great-nephew, Alexander, and great-niece, Lillian; and her great-grandchildren, Maximus, Helena, Creed, Liam, and Grayson, along with countless family members and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

The family's deepest thanks go to her caregivers and the staff at Golden Age Nursing Home, whose kindness and dedication meant so much. Their compassion and love have truly been a blessing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of her beloved niece on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate the life of a woman who loved so deeply and was loved so completely.

Connie will be so deeply missed, loved forever, and never forgotten. There will never be another one like her.