Connie Barren-Wells

Connie Barren-Wells (75) was born April 2, 1948, in Pittsburgh Pa. to the late Dannie Stillman and Connie Barren. She attended Homewood Grade School and graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1966. She went onto study at Kentucky State College and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. After graduation she moved to New York where she became a Buyer for Alexander’s department store. While in New York in 1970 she met a former Westinghouse classmate, William Gore Bey, who was in the military at the time. In 1972 she returned to Pittsburgh, and during this time she united into the Moorish Science Temple of America where she served in various capacities including Secretary and Chairperson of the Costume Ball. In 1973 William and Connie married and from this union Crystal Davida Bey was born in 1976.
While in Pittsburgh in 1972, Connie worked for United Way as a fundraiser until 1976, when she took a leave to care for her daughter Crystal. In 1977 she was hired by Dollar Bank to work with their team training employees on using the first ATM machines. In 1980 she returned to work at the United Way where she continued to work in different capacities throughout her career. While working as a fundraiser, she met with various executives. One of these meetings was held at the Duquesne Club, where Connie became one of the first women to enter the Duquesne Club through the front door (at that time women were to enter via the side door). Later during her career, she transitioned into the HR field where she eventually became a Director. She also served on the board of directors for the Pittsburgh Kidney Foundation for a couple years. Towards the end of her career, she returned to the fundraising field, and she retired from the United Way as a Corporate Fundraiser in 2010.
In 2004 Connie reconnected with her high school sweetheart James “Bubby” Wells. They picked up right where they left off from many years prior and married October 21, 2005. Once Connie retired, they were well traveled retirees vacationing throughout Europe, the Caribbean islands, Australia, Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica and other countries all over the world. Cruising was one of her favorite treasured times as well as spending time with her family. She attended her grandson’s sporting events when she could since she was his BIGGEST supporter. She had 75 good, family-oriented years and enjoyed her life to the fullest.
On Friday, August 25, 2023, she passed away. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters-in-love Andrea “Sugie” and Sheila, brother-in-love James and bonus children James and Monica.
In addition to her loving husband “Bubby,” she is survived by her daughter Crystal (Justice) and bonus daughter Tawana; brothers-in-love Jerome (Brenda), Leonard (Deborah), and Allen (Melinda); grandchildren Jalen, James, Jesseca, Janayah, Dana, Adella, Rodney, Monica, A’moni, and Jihaad; sister Marah; nieces and nephews Richard (Kim), Lisa (Dennis), Tammy (James), Qiana (Rajesh), Courtney, Monte (Ashley), Marisa, Dante, Kelsy (Kevin), Alec, Travis, and MaryKate (Jeremy); 12 great-grandchildren; aunts. uncles, cousins, and a host of close friends.

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