Eurma Lee Kizine

Eurma Lee (Ashley) Kizine-Phoenix was born on September 17, 1936, in Tillar, Arkansas, to her beloved mother Lottie Mae Ashley. The only child, she later moved with her mother to Kansas City, Missouri, where she was lovingly guided by her mother and her grandmother, Georgie Ann “Mama Georgie” Ashley. Eurma accepted Christ at an early age.

Blessed with a God-given musical gift, she began playing the piano at Emmanuel Baptist Church at the age of seven and shared that gift throughout her life. After more than 50 years as a member of Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, she moved her membership to Blue Valley Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Flackes. Her playing was ministry she offered it whenever and wherever she was needed. She was called home to be with the Lord on November 1, 2025, where she entered into eternal rest and peace.

Eurma graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955. She worked at Bendix and later pursued her passion as a licensed cosmetologist, known for her beauty, grace, and talent. She could cook like no other homemade rolls, cakes, and that unforgettable peach cobbler and she carried herself with elegance and style.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Phoenix; her mother Lottie Mae Ashley; her grandmother Georgie Ann “Mama Georgie” Ashley; her son Von C. Jones; and her two grandsons, Derrick D. Jones II and Le’Anthony Oliver.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Derrick D. Jones Sr.; her granddaughter Dara D. Jones; and her two great-grandchildren Jermaine L. Henderson and Jayla L. Henderson. Along with cherished friends Bridgette “BusyBee” Williams and Tony “Ray” Williams, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

To know Eurma was to love her. She lived with unwavering faith, strength, and dignity. Her hands lifted spirits at the piano, her heart nurtured those she loved, and her legacy lives on in every life she touched.