Vonzell R. Bryant, Sr.

Vonzell Bryant, Sr. was born on December 26, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri to Levi Bryant, Sr. and Martha (Houston) Bryant.  He was preceded in death by his father, Levi Bryant, Sr.;   mother, Martha Bryant; brothers, Joseph Bryant, Phillip Bryant aka “Doc”; Levi Bryant, Jr.; and Bishop Leroy Bryant.

He matriculated as a product of the Kansas City School District attending Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School.  Everyone knew Vonzell!!

Vonzell was a God-fearing man.  As a teenager, he gave his life to Christ and joined the Greater Corinthian Non-Denominational Church under Pastor Raymond Davis, Jr.  Later in life, he moved his membership to Holy Light Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Pleze Smith, Jr.

He openly shared his love for God and served people wherever he was.  Vonzell had a truly unique way of touching countless lives.  No matter what was going on in his own personal life, you could oftentimes find him praying for people as well as encouraging them.  Many recalled witnessing him in a posture of humbled prayer affirming and declaring his faith in God.  He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  He never met a stranger.  He shared God’s love with everyone he encountered.  His nurturing spirit always drew people to him.  Vonzell’s kind and loving spirit will be greatly missed.

The “Captain” owned several businesses over the years.  He was an Entrepreneur, Producer, Promoter, Facilitator and Mentor to name just a few.  He owned a candy store which also housed an area where youth could play video games after school; a restaurant; daycare; and professional contractor services.  Throughout his adult years, he inspired, encouraged, mentored and trained area youth who affectionately referred to him as “Mr. Vonzell” at the Candy Store as well as the Sisters of Love Pre-School which he managed along with his sister, Venetta.  He was a fun-loving father figure to many of the children.  He also mentored and trained young people to become entrepreneurs.  His greatest gift was serving and walking in love and he absolutely loved and adored Kansas City while working tirelessly to provide opportunities for people to have fun and fellowship.  “Captain Vonzell” was best known throughout Kansas City as a super smooth two-stepper; skater extraordinaire; and for decades of promoting concerts and nightlife entertainment for all.

Vonzell was a loving father and always wanted his children to stay closely connected.  He was dedicated to keeping them together by hosting family cookouts, reunions and providing opportunities for them to stay unified and close.  He modeled this Godkind of love before his children and taught them to love and support each other no matter what.   He demonstrated unconditional love for his family having adopted the “spiritual gift” of his mother’s kind and generous spirit along the way.

Vonzell Bryant, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories and to carry on his legacy his significant other, Stefanie Eubanks; sons, Vonzell Bryant, Jr. (Jamie) and Dominique Reed; daughters, Sabrina Dillard, Mya Bryant, Sasha Goode and Precious Eubanks; seventeen grandchildren; brother, Robert Bryant, Sr. (Jessie); sisters, Cheryllyn Ratliff (“Bay Brother”), Venetta Bryant-Smith (William), Anna Clay (Rodney) and Hortense Willis (Mark); God-brother/best friend, Otis Spring aka “OooWee”; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.