NELLIE BLAND

Nellie Mae Bland, 81, born on December 22, 1941, to Ida Mae Wright and Eddie Wright in Helena, Ark., just outside Little Rock, Ark.

Her father, Eddie Wright bought Nellie and her brother, Sylvester and sister Aretha to Kansas City to live with relatives, Mary Gant, her grandmother. Later on in life Nellie had four children, Darrell, Willie, Debra, and Wayne and his wife, Bridgette Cubit.

Nellie was the oldest of 22 siblings. Her sister, Barbara Ann and sister, Joyce Ann are right here with her from Detroit. She also had 12 grandchildren along with 10 great grandchildren. She retired from the Olathe School district. She was the matriarch of the family. She took care of any of her relatives when called upon.

She loved having fun with her brothers and sisters, playing cards, going out and listening to music. She loved traveling to Detroit

Deacon Eddie Earl Brewer, 86, died on Thursday, April 20, 2023. He was born on June 6, 1936, to James and Catherine HoodBrewer of Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by both parents, James and Catherine Hood-Brewer; maternal grandparents; Monroe, and Laura Hood, paternal grandparents; Oscar and Minnie Brewer; two sons, Reginal Brewer and Cordney Miller; and one daughter, Tanjala Brewer.

He joined the United States Air Force after high school and served for four years, he worked at Luciana Photography for 30 years as a professional photographer traveling around the world taking photos. In 1972, he began working for the Kansas City Metro Area Transportation Authority as a bus driver, drove the bus for over 30 years before retiring in 2008, and received numerous awards and certificates for being an excellent bus driver.

He was an active member of the Emmanuel church under the leadership of the late Bishop W. H. White Sr., and currently under the leadership of Pastor R.L. White Sr., for over 20 years. He served on the Deacon Board for 10 years, served as the President of the Male Chorus choir for five years, taught the Men of Faith Sunday School class for five years, and he was the Church Photographer for 15 years.

He was a quiet person, he always kept a smile on his face,

Bishop Ignatius Alexander Brooks, 94, of Kansas City, Mo., on April 29, 2023, surrounded by family.

He was born on December 24, 1928, to Oscar and Arabella (English) Brooks in Flamstead, Hanover in Jamaica. Affectionately nicknamed “Egbert” by his brothers and sisters, he was the third of eight children.

Bishop Brooks left home at an early age. His father insisted he work as a tailor but Ignatius (and God) had other plans. Ignatius accepted Christ into his life at an early age and was called into the ministry. In 1955, he attended the Jamaican Bible Institute. Soon thereafter he and his wife were chosen to be pastors at the Open Bible church in the Content District in the St. James Parish of Jamaica. He later founded the Full Gospel church in Content and would eventually oversee Full Gospel churches in both Jamaica and in the US.

He devoted his life to serving God and his community. In 1976 he and his family immigrated to the US. And a decade later he founded a new Full Gospel church in Kansas City, Mo. He was a faithful pastor, who served his congregation with passion and dedication. He was known for his warm and welcoming spirit, his inspiring sermons, and his unwavering faith. Bishop Brooks served as the Associate Pastor at Saint Luke’s Memorial church where he worshiped until his

Sylvester Lee McDaniel was born on September 7, 1958, to Benjamin F. McDaniel Sr., and Doris L. McDaniel in Kansas City, Mo. He was the fifth child of eight children to this union. He was also the twin brother to his sister, Susan McDaniel Davis.

He is preceded in death by his parents, twin sister, Susan Davis, and brother, Paul Davis.

In 1976, he graduated from Central High school in Kansas City, Mo., “Home of the Mighty Blue Eagles.” He refused to fly, but soared in every endeavor he pursued. As an eagle soars, so did Sylvester! He was awarded and honored in becoming the first R.O.T.C. recipient to achieve the title “First Sergeant.” This honorable recognition is filed with the Kansas City, Mo., School District R.O.T.C. Military manifest.

Shortly after graduating, his love for