Pastor Dr. Christine Dunn

Dr. Christine Dunn, an esteemed figure in the realms of pastoral leadership, community service, and education, peacefully departed from this world on December 24, 2023. Born on July 5th, 1935, in Hayti, Missouri, to the union of Alameda and Lee Brooks, she later relocated with her family to Kansas City, Missouri.

Preceding her in death were her husband, the Late Elder Billie Dunn; her parents; siblings Pearlie Mae, Anna Rose, Bertha, Oliver, and John Dee; nephew Tommy Fuller; great-nephew Jeffrey Smith; great-great-grandchildren Ne’Asia and Antonio Farnsworth-Smith, and Master Gary Winters. Her dear friends, Evangelist Bernice Harris and Mother Dorothy Carr also preceded her in death.

Dr. Dunn's educational journey encompassed Douglas Elementary School, R.T. Coles Vocational High School, and Aladdin School of Cosmetology. Later in life, she pursued theological studies at Saint Mary’s School of Theology and Grace Bible School, culminating in the attainment of her Doctorate in Pastoral Theology from Faith Bible College under the mentorship of Chancellor Zalmer Nichols, Th.D.

In 1951, Dr. Dunn became a mother to her cherished daughter, Dr. Magdalene Vance-White. In 1962, Dr. Dunn entered Holy Matrimony to Eld. Billie M. Dunn, whom she was married to for 35 years until his passing in 1994. Her spiritual odyssey commenced in her 20s under Mother Luella Carter at Cross of Christ Spiritual Church. Dr. Dunn, known for her humor, once quipped about being baptized five times, remarking that the first attempt "didn't take”. Her final baptism was administered by Chief Apostle Leona McGee of the New Testament Pentecostal Church, where she became a member in the early 60s.

Ascending to the role of Pastor on April 2nd, 1978, following the passing of Pastor Elder Blanche Rancher, Dr. Christine Dunn provided counseling and home-based ministry. Her dedication extended to women’s prison ministry, nursing home outreach, and collaboration with Harvesters for a food pantry. She served nationally and internationally for over 60 years, leaving an indelible mark on the Kingdom of God.

Beyond her spiritual calling, Dr. Dunn was a respected businesswoman, managing Dunn’s Kitchen, a restaurant, and A Little Bit of Everything Variety Shop, a thrift store and non-profit consignment shop. She served as Vice President under Alvin Brooks on the Precious Doe Committee at Adhoc Against Crime.

Passionate about youth engagement, she was a foster parent with SRS Family Services, a volunteer at Whittier Elementary School, and an honorary grandmother featured in the school's yearbook. Her commitment to community service extended to her role as a classroom assistant and counselor for disruptive students.

Dr. Christine Dunn leaves behind a legacy of service, survived by her daughter, Dr. Magdalene Vance-White; stepdaughter, Billie Joyce Brown; grandchildren, Carmia Farnsworth, John Samuels Jr., & Hector Armando Sanchez; great-grandchildren, Carmisha Farnsworth-Hooker (Lavert Hooker), Chaqua’La Horne-Winters (Gary Winters), Chatoi Horne, Anthony Williams II, AshleyMarie Marie, & Vanessa Meriwether; great-great-grandchildren, Zemirah Horne, Carley Horne, Ka’Mari Williams, Ka’Liah Williams, Amarionna Davis, Anthony Williams III, & Jaidyn Winters; and a host of nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, & great-great nieces & nephews; god-children; her flock at New Testament Pentecostal Church; and a multitude of friends, neighbors, and community members. As she used to say, "You can't name everybody because you'll be here all day." Her presence will be dearly missed, but her impact will resonate for generations to come.