Mrs. Helen I. Gee

Mrs. Helen I. Gee passed away on September 23, 2025. Helen Inez Gee was born on August 17, 1924, to Eddie Young Sr. and Mattie Dobbins Young, in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the eldest girl of eight siblings, five brothers and two sisters. All her siblings preceded her in death. Helen attended the Kansas City, Kansas Public School System, graduating from Summer High School class of 1942. While at Sumner, she met a handsome man name Anderson J. Smith, and from this union in 1943, two children, daughter Bonnie, and son Stanley were born. While raising a family, Helen worked as a nurse’s aide at KU Medical Center and part time at the Princess Theater in concessions. The marriage with Anderson was dissolved in 1951. Helen decided to pursue her life profession in nursing, and for twenty-five years she worked in pediatrics throughout hospitals in the greater Los Angeles, California area serving the valued clinical needs of the community focusing on children and families. While in Los Angeles, Helen became a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where the late popular and prominent Pastor, Rev. E.V. Hill served. She was a faithful member for many years. Helen alone with many Kansas City Citizens had moved to Los Angeles, and twice a year they would have parties at homes and venues. At one such party she met up with James H. Gee, a retired Army Veteran who was also a graduate of Sumner High School. They married and returned to Kansas City in 1980. Helen and James joined Salem Baptist Church where they served as faithful members under Pastor, Rev. Charles B. Bailey. Helen and James faithfully served at Salem and enjoyed supporting and traveling with the Kansas State Layman. They would travel by charter bus with the Layman or drive to the Regional Workshops, State and National Conventions. After James’ death, Helen decided to join the Eighth Street Baptist Church where her daughter Bonnie Saunders, son Rev. Dr. Stanley Smith and her first husband, and close friend (only), Anderson J. Smith had membership. Helen and Anderson’s birthday was the same month and day, a year apart August 17, 1923-24. Helen faithful supported the church but also gave her time volunteering with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, the DAV, and Veteran of Foreign Wars. Helen loved her family dearly. One would say that how she was also known as “Madear.” Family was most important to her. She was a proud member and supporter of the Wesley Family Reunions. She attended all the reunions while in good health. She cherished her role as the “Matriarch” of the Wesley family and her immediate family. Madear was preceded in death by her daughter, Bonnie Saunders, husband, James H. Gee, and grandson Robert E. Gill Jr. (Robbie). Madear leaves to mourn her passing, Son, Rev. Dr. Stanley A. Smith (Corliss), Kansas City Granddaughters: Charnita Y. Gill, Raymore, MO, and Roberta M. Anderson-Mabry (Ernest) Kansas City; Grandson’s: Adrion C. Smith (Denise) Toronto, Canada, Parris J. Smith, Springfield, MO, Leslie R. Saunders II (Breanna) Raymore, MO; great-grands: Tamara J. Stansbury (Cedric), Dion J. Lewis II, Brandon L. Brown, Jamellah M. Burnside (Tracey), Jodeeci Lynch (Ian), Hallie Weaver, Andrew M. Gill, Ashyante’ S. Gill, Makaila J. Owens (Gabe), Leslie R. Saunders III, Maykala Smith, Kiondre Smith, Charlize Smith, Vayla Smith, Ruby Smith, Theo Smith, and a host of great-great grand Children, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends Funeral Services will be held on Monday October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Eighth Street Baptist Church 1420 North 8th Street KCKS 66104. Interment: Leavenworth National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Visitation: 10 -11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Mrs. Helen I. Gee

August 17, 1924 - September 23, 2025