Bennie Jean Price-Russ

Words From Bennie Jean Price-Russ

Born in 1948 in Silsbee, Texas to Benjamin Price and Gladys Johnson. She is one of 8 children. She joins her sister’s and brothers Mozelle, Willie Davis (Dub or WD), David, Carolyn, and Donnell. She is now in the hearts of her sister Helen Jean and her brother Robert (Patricia) Price. I have 2 children: Gladys Gale and Bernadette. 1 granddaughter Ellis Morgan of Bernadette Russ and Willie Cohen. A host of beloved nieces and nephews. Son James Davis of William Russ. Honorary sons: Roy Livingston and Damone Cox.

Born to a wonderful mother who taught me to be a wonderful mother. A father who taught me how to conduct business.

As a young girl I sang in Elementary, Junior High, and High School. In the choir I was touched by one song I sang from elementary to my death: “No Man Is An Island”. I decided to leave Waldo Matthew High School, an all-black school after the civil rights bill was passed. Because people died for me to be at Silsbee High School to end segregation. And I graduated in 1967 from Silsbee High School in Silsbee Texas. I was 1 of only 7 black children in a class of 250 plus.

After graduation, I joined Job Core in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. I graduated as an LPN from Kansas City Board of Education. I worked at Lakeside Hospital for 3 years. I resigned and went to St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City and worked there for 37 years.

In my free time, I volunteered. I worked with abused women and children assisting, and helping families with Christmas food and gifts. I also helped serve Christmas meals at the City Union Mission. I was a member of the Women’s Mission Peer Review. I was a member of the Diversity Committee collecting monies for the March of Dimes.

1980’s -1990’s I became a member of Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. I was a part of the:

- Inspirational choir - Single Ministry & New Members Committee - Women’s Ministry - Health Committee doing blood pressures & blood sugar checks for diabetes and kidney disease.

Late 90’s – Early 20’s I became a member of Parkway Baptist Church. I participated in: - Black church week of prayer for the Healing of AIDs & HIV in the black community - A certified instructor for the Red Cross - Teaching ages 6 – 20 on the prevention of AIDs in the 80’s & 90’s - AIDs Walk in the 80’s - Breast Cancer & Women’s walk in Shawnee Mission. I became a member of the: - Food Pantry - Pastors Selection Committee -Taught Teen & Young Adult Class in Sunday School - Wednesday Prayer Group.

2000’s I became a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. I participated in: - Gospel Choir - Taught Children’s Church - Was on the Church Counsel - Taught at Summer Adventure Vacation Bible School - Helped Ellis “The Love of My Life “ with many praise and performance dances.

Within the last 2 years - HIV/AIDS Walk - Pride Parade Walk - No Kings March

I love to volunteer and give back because God has been so good to me.

TO EVERYONE:

“I am moving from your sight to your heart. Take God with you on your journey. Remember God is Love”

“I HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE!"