Tributes

Constance Zander Bigham Stirgus, affectionally known as Connie, was born in Hutingdon Tennessee on March 11, 1945, to the late Elnora and Lewis Bigham. Both parents preceded her in death and so did her siblings Frederick Bigham and Ursula Polk. Connie’s family moved to Nashville, Tennessee and lived with her aunt Pearline and Alonzo Kinkacha for a short period of time. At the age of five, Connie moved to St. Louis, Missouri. She attended St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from O’Fallon High School. Connie came to know and love the Lord at an early age. Faithfully she attended Lively Stone Church of God. She later joined Mt. Gideon M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Ronald Huston. She worked in various ministries until her health permitted her from doing so. Connie was united in holy matrimony to Thomas J. Stirgus on February 14, 1979. Their union and prime example of a Godly marriage lasting nearly 40 years, until God called Thomas home. They created a life together built on love and togetherness. They both served their family by providing love and comfort to anyone they came across. There are many holiday traditions and family gatherings that will be cherished for a lifetime. Connie worked from Wagner Electric and later started her career in the airline industry. She was employed by Ozark Airlines that later turned into TWA and American Airlines. She retired from American Airlines in 2002. She absolutely enjoyed traveling to many countries and networking with individuals across the country. She later found a passion for clothing others. She stepped out on faith and became entrepreneur by starting her clothing boutique “Miss Connie’s Fashions”. She had various styles of dresses, suits, hats, purses, and jewelry. She found her niche with helping various usher boards with their uniforms. She took great pride in helping others look and feel good. In her older years Connie supported and cared for her grandchildren Ariana and Thomas “TJ” Banks. She also supported her only niece, Jada Nichols. She was known in their schools and supportive of all their activities. Connie was very caring and nurturing. She continuously gave and encouraged anyone she could. Her infectious smile, her comforting hugs, and laughter will truly be missed. Left to cherish Connie’s memory is her devoted daughter Allana Banks and her grandchildren Ariana and Thomas Banks (Fort Worth, TX), devoted Aunt Dorothy Owens and children (Nashville, TN), niece Jada Nichols and great niece Azalayh Hampton (St. Louis, MO), nephews Anthony Bigham and family (St. Louis, MO), Shawn Harris (Kaphne) and family (Houston, TX), Tuan Belk, favorite cousin Budenia Jordan and children (Nashville, TN), Regina House and children (Tampa, FL); Wanda Bigham and family (Atlanta, GA), LaJoyce (Archie) Barber and family (Memphis, TN) Kenneth Griffin and children (St. Louis, MO) and a host of many family and friends.

Tributes

Constance B. Stirgus

February 24, 2022