Edna Mae Kinsey

Our beautiful matriarch, joined heaven’s angels on Monday, July 3, 2023. She slept peacefully through the night.

Edna and her twin sister, Etta Faye, were born on October 20, 1928 to Lillian Grundy-Hall and William Hall in South Bend, Indiana. Edna had the privilege of growing up with so much love and laughter under one roof. She was able to get advice and even have an occasional friendly feud with her siblings Alice, James, Marie, Leroy, Jackie, Emanuel “Boonie”, Cleora, Marlene and Delores. Edna and Etta had a very special connection. The two were a dynamic duo and had a special bond until Etta preceded her in death in 2008.

Edna received her education from the South Bend Public School System. After completion of her studies, Edna worked for the local hospital and then God opened a new door for her… Our diva met a fine Tennessean beau with a southern accent and a smooth singing voice. It was love at first sight for John Harry Kinsey. Edna was head over heels in love, too. The beautiful couple married on January 27, 1951 in South Bend, Indiana and started a wonderful life together. From their union, John and Edna parented John Harry, Jr “Slick”, Kenneth Ray “T-Bone”, Edna Denise, Joy Lorraine, Charlas Yvonne and Mia LaFrantz.

In the mid 1950’s, John was called to pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Being a loving and submissive wife, Edna packed up her two small sons and left her family in South Bend to join her husband. She loved everything about Kansas City, especially being the First Lady and raising her children to know and love God. You see, caring and providing for her family was important to Edna. John and Edna put food on their household table working side-by-side at St. Luke’s Hospital. Edna also worked tirelessly at Spartan’s Department Store and, ultimately, retired from the Kansas City Public Schools serving children delicious food at Greenwood Elementary.

Edna was very welcoming - she never met a stranger. Her charming personality, kindness, generosity, laughter, pleasant smile, sense of style and great looks drew everyone to her. Her door was always open and friends would stop by just to say “hi” to Ms. Kinsey. She loved every visit. Edna declared her purpose in life was to love others and be the listening ear without passing judgment or criticism.

Edna was classy, fashion forward, loved animal print EVERYTHING. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, gardening, taking pictures with her infamous black wristlet camera, traveling to visit family and importantly serving faithfully at her beloved Bethel Baptist Church. Not only did Edna serve as first lady alongside her husband, she sung in the choir and was active in Sunday and Vacation Bible School.

Edna leaves her everlasting memories and fond times to children: John H. Kinsey, Jr; Kenneth Ray Kinsey; Edna Denise Kinsey-Middlebrooks; Joy Lorraine Kinsey; Charlas Yvonne Kinsey-Williams (Sam) and Mia LaFrantz Kinsey-Estell. Bonus sons: Herbert A. Miller (deceased 2016) and Pastor Donald L. Johnson (Rhonda). Bonus daughter: Patsy Hutton. Grandchildren: Eric L. Pierce (Angela); Joy La’Quetta Neal; Janiese Middlebrooks; Giovanni “GiGi” Kinsey; Antoine Kinsey; Kyan Hammerbacher (Mark); Rashi-Omar Kinsey-Horner (Tia); Ashli Buckman (William); Jerome Middlebrooks II; Cedrick Kinsey, Tim “Deuce” Estell (Emily); Nigel Kirk; Skylar Young; Ronald Miller; NaShayne Miller; Phalon Rock (Tyrone) and Christian Rochester (Walena).

Great-Grandchildren: Diante Pierce; Tamora Kinsey; Kinsey Neal; DeMarquis Brown; Dionte Brown; Antoine Kinsey II; Ava Kinsey; William Buckman II; Willow Buckman; Damon Ross; Dominique Williams; Johnathan Ayers; Cenia Bird and Maurion West.

Great-Great Grandchildren: Logan Kinsey and Aris Brown.

Siblings: Emanuel Hall (Jannie) and Delores Parker.

Special cousin: Louella Foster. A host of family and friends will also miss her presence.