Connie Bird Galloway

Connie Bird Galloway, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, philanthropist, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering faith. She was born on July 21, 1936, in Caldwell, Texas, to Gus Bird and Evelyn Stonewall Bird.

Connie grew up in a loving family with ten brothers and sisters, where she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and family. She remained especially close to her beloved surviving brother, Sam Bird, whose love and friendship she treasured throughout her life.

As a young woman, Connie’s beauty, grace, and confidence earned her the title of Miss Houston 1956, and she enjoyed a successful career as a model. In high school, she was an enthusiastic cheerleader whose outgoing personality and school spirit reflected the joy she carried throughout her life.

Determined to make a difference in the lives of others, Connie earned degrees in psychology from Louisiana State University and the University of Houston. She devoted her professional life to mental health, serving on the boards of Louisiana Mental Health and Hospice and advocating for those in need of compassionate care.

Connie married the love of her life, Gale Galloway, and together they built a marriage founded on faith, service, and generosity. Their commitment to education, community, and charitable giving left a lasting impact on countless lives, especially through their support of Baylor University.

A lifelong servant leader, Connie was an active member of the Junior League of Austin, supported the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and enjoyed many years playing on the Westwood Country Club tennis team. Whether serving her community or cheering from the sidelines, she brought enthusiasm, elegance, and kindness to everything she did.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Connie was deeply involved at Austin Baptist Church and Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church. One of her proudest accomplishments was completing the seven-year Bible Study Fellowship program, a testament to her lifelong commitment to knowin and serving God.

Connie found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved riding horses, playing tennis, spending time outdoors, was a talented painter and enthusiastically watched football. Family gatherings, holidays, and sporting events were among her happiest moments, and she delighted in sharing those experiences with the people, she loved.

Above all, Connie’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband of 64 years Gale Galloway. Beloved daughter, Tara Galloway; grandsons, Bentley Hatchett (fiancée Fatima) and Gavin Evans (fiancée Laci); step-daughter Georgia Elmore(husband Jeff); step-son Mike Galloway (Deileen) and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and her dear brother, Sam Bird. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her love and generosity.

Connie will be remembered for her elegance, quiet strength, compassionate heart, and unwavering faith. She possessed an uncommon ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. Her life was a beautiful reflection of service, grace, and gratitude, and the example she set will continue to inspire generations to come.

Connie always said, “The best accessory a Woman should always carry is a Smile.” Her signature was her smile and she carried it until the day she passed.

Though her earthly journey has ended, the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the faith she lived so faithfully will endure forever. Her family rejoices in the promise that she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior, reunited with those who have gone before her. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family request donation be made in the name of Connie Galloway to Austin Baptist Church or Baylor University.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23