Connie Mae Barrett was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on November 14, 1936 to Lester Hamm and Maegladys Nichols. From the very beginning, Connie carried a gentle spirit and a giving heart that became the foundation of the beautiful life she lived.

She attended the public schools of Wynne, Arkansas, before making Kansas City, Missouri, her home. Connie worked for the United States Marine Corps for several years, dedicating her time and talents to meaningful service. She later opened an in-home daycare where she cared for children with patience, warmth, and a nurturing touch that came naturally to her.

Connie was known for her love of cooking and for the joy she found in preparing meals for the people she loved. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, and she poured her heart into making it special every year. No matter the occasion, Connie found a way to bring people together around good food, laughter, and love. She had a natural gift for support and encouragement, and she was always trying to help people. Her kindness was steady, her compassion genuine, and her support unwavering.

She was a devoted member of Emmanuel Baptist Church Rev. W. H. White, Kansas City, Missouri and also worshiped with Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Gregory Stevens, Kansas City, Missouri. Her faith guided her life and shaped her commitment to service, family, and community.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband, John Barrett; her sons, Rodney Woods, Minnesota, and Michael Woods, Kansas City, Missouri; and her siblings R. T. Hamm, Pasadena, California; Vester Hinton, Indianapolis, Indiana; Charles Hamm, St. Louis, Missouri; and Velma Hudson, St. Louis, Missouri.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Tanya Woods, Kansas City, Missouri, and Carmen Woods, Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her siblings Spencer Hamm, Spokane, Washington; Patricia Robinson Everett, Washington; Linda Kelly Bakersfield, California; Lester Hamm San Diego, California; and Samuel Hamm St. Louis, Missouri. Connie leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many dear friends who loved her deeply.

Connie Mae Barrett will be remembered for her giving heart, her love for family, her supportive spirit, and the countless ways she made life better for those around her. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to shine brightly in the lives of everyone she touched.