Constance “Connie” G. Pesterfield (Brown) passed away on August 17 surrounded by her family. She was a kind, thoughtful, and loving wife and mother whose warmth touched everyone who knew her. Her husband, Wayne Pesterfield; daughter, Tracy Thornton (Robbie); sons, Troy (Kristie) and Tony (Melissa); brother, Larry Brown; and sister-in-law, Sharlene Brown, will miss her tremendously. Connie was also a cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.
Connie was born in Liberty, Kentucky, to Pauline Brown (Chapman) and Wilder Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nancy Land; and her brother, Dallon Brown.
While growing up in Kentucky, Connie was crowned Miss Casey County. She graduated from business school in Louisville and began her career at GE. She later moved to Tennessee, where she met Wayne, her husband of 57 years. Together, they owned the Spanish Shop, where Connie created handmade belts, jewelry, and other items. She went on to work at the Michael Dunn Center for 12 years and also served as a foster parent for several students. She later joined Y-12, where she worked her way up to chemical operator and retired after 30 years of service at the age of 78.
Connie was honored as a Kentucky Colonel, a distinction also held by Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. She earned her pilot’s license for small planes and found joy in many simple pleasures: tending her flower beds, sitting in her swing, spoiling her dogs and her children’s dogs, and spending time with family. Her family meant everything to her, and she found her greatest happiness in doing kind things for them and being together.
Connie was smart, beautiful, courageous, and deeply loved. Wherever she went, people were drawn to her kindness and spirit. Her light will remain bright in the hearts of those who knew her, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now their guardian angel in heaven. She will be terribly missed.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston on Saturday, August 29. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by the service from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Anyone who would like to share a story about Connie during the service would be warmly welcomed by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’ Research at www.michaeljfox.org. Kyker Funeral Home of Kingston is serving the Pesterfield Family.