Mrs. Karen S. Johnson
Sunrise: July 17, 1963 Sunset: July 4, 2011
Karen Sue Johnson was born July 17, 1963 in Burlington, Iowa to the union of Richard D. Morris and Elsie E. Campbell of Henderson County Illinois. She grew up and went to school in Trenton, Missouri.
Karen met and married James Lewellen and to this union one child, Jennifer was born. This marriage was dissolved and Karen moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she met and later married Mark VanCleave and to this union one child, Elizabeth was born. This marriage was later dissolved and Karen met Steve Johnson to whom she was married and they moved together to Gallatin, Missouri. With Steve Karen gave birth to two more children, Steven and Stephanie.
Karen loved life and was someone who never met a stranger. Karen always felt that God had put her here on this earth to enjoy her four children for whom she had much love and pride in her heart. Above all else, Karen enjoyed her children and being a mother and she battled until her home-going to remain here for them and to spend time with them.
Karen passed away Monday, July 4th, 2011 at 2:28AM at Saint Luke’s Northland hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. All of her children and her older sister were present and her soul left this earth in a very peaceful, loving way just as she wanted. In addition, Karen had a strong affinity for all of the caregivers at Saint Luke’s Northland hospital and felt that they were like family as well because of the way they were so kind, caring, and truly lifted her spirits throughout the several months of her battle with cancer.
Karen leaves to cherish her loving memory: Her parents, Richard Morris and Elsie Morris. Her children,
Services for Karen will be held at Banks and Beals Funeral Home, Stronghurst, IL, Friday, July 8th with visitation beginning at 3:30PM and service to commence promptly at 5:00PM.
Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL NORTH. Assisted by Banks & Beals Funeral Home, Stronghurst, IL.
Mrs. Katherine K. Hinton
Sunrise: February 8, 1927 Sunset: July 4, 2011
Katherine King Hinton was born February 8, 1927, in Forney, Texas. She married Sawnie R. Alexander, Sr. while residing in Texas; thereafter, she moved to Kansas City, Kansas.
She was predeceased by her parents, Grady and Luvinia King, sisters, Dorothy Hunt and Virginia Graham; brothers, Lester King, Grady King, Jr. Ernest King, Sr. and Fred King, her first husband, Sawnie R. Alexander; sons, Michael Douglas Alexander, Sawnie R. Alexander, Jr. and Virgil Keith Alexander. Mrs. Hinton later married Mr. Otha Hinton and remained with him until his passing some 32 years later.
She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Forney, TX. She went on to graduate from Madison Technical School as a Licensed Practical Nurse and obtained licenses in both Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO. Her journey continued with working some thirty years as an LPN, prior to retirement. Her interest in membership organizations included the Association of the Black Women's Club, a member of the Eastern Star and the Association of Nursing. Furthermore, Katherine was an active member of Linwood United Presbyterian Church, which she dearly loved.
She will be lovingly remembered for her exceptional cooking, humanity, kindness and especially her zest for life. He contributions to those in need made a difference in the lives of others in our community. Mrs. Hinton was filled with compassion and showed interest in others by maintaining contact with them. She was an avid reader of her daily newspaper and romance novels. She found the most happiness tending her flowers, especially her roses. She also enjoyed sharing the crossword puzzles with her daughter; she always believed doing puzzles would keep one "mentally fit."
She is survived by: her daughter, Sawnia Kaye Alexander-Wilkes; sister, Ellen King Mitchell (Paul); grandsons, Marcus K. Eason (Ladawn), Brian Thompson and Keith Hayden of San Diego, CA; granddaughters, Kimberlie Alexander-Jackson (Phillip), Chicago, IL, Gabrielle Moore-Jones (Patrick), Christy Alexander-Tolefree Dallas, TX, Deitra Nealy-Shane, Shawne Tabron Omaha, NE, Virnisha Fuller, Carmela Embry (Michael) and a host of great grandchildren.
Services for Mrs. Hinton will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday (today), July 15, 2011, at Linwood United Church with Pastor Tamara Miller officiating. Burial in Leavenworth National Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Friday at the church.
Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL NORTH.
Mr. Bryon A. Cody
Sunrise: January 10, 1962 Sunset: July 9, 2011
Byron A. Cody was one of three sons born to Clementine Cody January 10, 1962 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by both grandparents, Daniel Cody, Emma Cody; his mother, Clementine Cody and an uncle, Sherman Matthews.
He was a graduate of Holston High School. Byron worked for Annie Santa Fe for ten and a half years and Applebee’s for a few years in the position of first cook.
“Twin” was known for reading the newspaper and would have a smart remark.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Diana Cody; daughter, Robin Colbert (Tyrell); sons, Cortez Cody and Byron Cody Jr.; brothers, Myron Cody (Linda) and Jeffery Cody; sisters, Emma D. Cody-Mitchell (Coatney); Carlita Cody, Tara Cody; five grandchildren; aunt, Wanda Matthews (Sherman); nephews, Myron Cody II, LaRon, Joey, Tony, Marcellus, nieces, Raychelle Cody, Nikkii, Loisha, Sharon; cousin, Walter “Mookie” Cody, and a host of other family and friends.
Services for Mr. Cody will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Divine Temple Miracle House of Prayer with Pastor Larry Robinson officiating. Burial in XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the church.
Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL NORTH.
Mr. Derek L. Echols
Sunrise: February 4, 1951 Sunset: July 11, 2011
Derek LaNell Echols passed away on Monday, July11, 2011, at the home in Kansas City, Missouri.
Derek was born February 4, 1951. He was the second child and only son born to Emory D. and Maxine Echols. Both parents and a granddaughter, Camia Givens preceded him in death.
He accepted Christ as a child and was baptized while attending Good Samaritan Baptist Church.
Derek was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri Public School District. He attended Southeast High School where he excelled academically. He played on the football team and also the track team. Derek was a member of various other school organizations as well. He later attended UMKC and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. For several years Derek was an active member of Alpha-Phi-Alpha Fraternity.
He proficiently worked a variety of jobs over the years and retired from management with Days Inn Motels. Although his health continued to fail, Derek took great pride in being a devoted husband, loving father and Grandfather.
He leaves his: Wife, Camille; their only son, Aaron Givens; three granddaughters, Tania Givens, Kennedy Givens, and Ariyanna Givens; one Grandson, Aidan Clifton-Givens all of the city; four sisters, Deborah Rhodes, Tina Gray, Aleta Grayson of the city and L. Kay Echols; a lifelong friend, Stacy Lee both of Raytown, MO, and Ray Brenson of the city; sisters-in-law, Lola Moore of Los Angeles, CA, Willette Martin, Yvette Newsome, Anita Givens of the city, and LaQuita Givens of Denver, CO;
Brothers-in-law, David Givens of Denver, CO, Sander Martin, Melvin Newsome and Micheal Grayson all the city and a host of family and friends.
Services for Mr. Echols will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 18, 2011, at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church 5610 Jackson Ave. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M until service time Saturday at the church.
Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL NORTH.