One Monticello Life: Curtis Barrow
May 6th, 2007 by Carolyn 
It is baseball season in Monticello. Kids four years old and up are busy playing ball on various leagues around town. Not only does baseball bring out the little tykes to play ball but with that comes the support and cheers of parents. At one of the local baseball games many supporters are near by to cheer on their favorite sport star. One of these parents is Curtis Barrow. Here is his story.
Curtis grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was raised most of his life by his mother. Curtis’s mother worked outside the home as a housekeeping supervisor. This did not keep Curtis’s mother from teaching him the qualities of being a supportive, involved and caring parent. Curtis lived in New Orleans until 2003. Curtis made his way to Monticello though not as a result of Hurricane Katrina He moved here to work in outside machineries department at Seark Boats. He quickly found Monticello a place to call home. That same year he married Katrina who is also from New Orleans. After they married Katrina moved here and became assistant manager at our local McDonalds.
Together Curtis and Katrina have a life-sized family. Curtis has two daughters, Rhonda and Curtiz, that live out of state. Katrina has a son, Darence, who is 12 years old and a 6th grader at MIS. The couple now have a new addition to their family, Curtis Jr., who is six months old.
But their own flesh and blood are not the only children they call their own. Curtis shared with his family in Louisiana about how he liked Monticello’s family atmosphere and great school systems. His sister felt that her children would do well living in Monticello with Curtis. So in 2003 Curtis and Katrina took on the responsibility of raising Curtis’s neice and nephew, Kendrial Barrow and Garry Hill. Kendrial is 12 years old, a 7th grader at MIS and is very helpful at home. She helps take care of the new baby and is always there to cheer on her brother,Garry, at his many sports activities. Garry is 9 years old and is very busy this time of year playing baseball. Curtis makes sure Garry is involved in all the sports that interest him.
Garry’s biggest fan would have to be his uncle. Curtis provides Garry with all the practicing tools he needs at home to excel in whatever sport is in season. Curtis is at every ball practice and game cheering on not only Garry but also all his teammates. Curtis is not only interested in his ‘kids’ when it comes to sports. His wife, Katrina, says Curtis is a family man. She says “He helps with anything we need him to do.” He is always available to care for his new baby whether it is fixing bottles or changing diapers. He also helps when he can with school work and is present at school activities, like Donuts for Dads.
Garry pitched Friday night in his little league baseball game. Many were there to cheer on the teams. As always, Curtis was close by in the dugout. He is faithful to be a great supporter on and off the baseball field. Curtis Barrow, one Monticello life.
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I had the oppurtunity to coach Darence last year as an 11 year old and met Curtis and Katrina. You could always depend on them having Darence there for all the practices and all the games. Curtis had a smile on his face all the time. They are a great family. Everytime Garry sees me at the field he comes and gives me a hug. In closing I would just like to let everyone know that if you are ever at the field look for Curtis because he WILL be there at some point.
As the site coordinator over Kidz Kamp at MIS, we had the opportunity to get to know Garry Hill. He is a very athletic and TYPICAL young boy. He asked many times for me to come to practices and games to see him play. It takes a special person to take on the responsibility of other children to better their lives. A big pat on the back and cheers for you for the great thing that you have done for these children.