Ms. Julia B. McConnell

Julia Brown McConnell, 94, passed away at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 11, 2026. She was born on December 5, 1931, to Augusta “Gussie” Hopkins Brown and Louis Brown in Vernon, Louisiana. Julia was raised in the St. Rest community, where she attended St. Rest Elementary School in St. Rest, Louisiana. She graduated with the Class of 1950 from Jasper Henderson High School in Chatham, Louisiana, and with the Class of 1954 from Grambling College in Grambling, Louisiana. Julia was recognized as a “Trailblazer” because of the hardships she overcame while pursuing her education. The year 1954 was historic, as the Brown v. Board of Education decision had just been handed down, expanding educational opportunities across the nation. Julia began her teaching career at New Saints High School in Pelican, Louisiana, where she taught from 1954 to 1956. Julia married Harvey Golden McConnell on December 30, 1954, in Quitman, Louisiana. She later joined her husband in Kansas City, Missouri, and together they raised six children. Julia’s religious journey began early in life at St. Rest Baptist Church in St. Rest, Louisiana. After moving to Kansas City, Missouri, she joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Claude H. High, where she served as Superintendent of Sunday School. She also joined the McConnell Gospel Singers, co-led one song, and used her college degree in Home Economics to sew dresses for the choir members. She later joined Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ under Pastor Earl Abel, where she served with the New Era District Congress of Education. She then joined Grace Assembly of God under Dr. Sydney Ramphal, where she served as a Sunday School teacher. After moving to South Kansas City, Julia joined St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where she served with the Mission Society within and beyond the church walls. In later years, Julia joined her daughter Sheila at Calvary Chapel Church of God in Christ, where she served on the Mother Board. After college, Julia began her professional journey at New Saints High School. After moving to Kansas City, she became a homemaker to raise her children and later accepted a position with the Internal Revenue Service. She later transferred to the Social Security Administration, where she retired after 25 years of service as Manager of Reconciliation and Disability. Julia continued working after retirement, beginning another career with Washington Inventory Services, where she served for 12 years. She then worked for Kmart for nine years, followed by additional service with JCPenney, the Board of Election Commissioners, Kansas City Public Schools, and the LINC Organization, contributing a combined 10 years of service. As Julia raised her family, worked, and served the Lord, she was also active in several social and civic organizations, including Toastmasters, Eastern Star Friendship Chapter 95, where she served as Past Grand Worthy Matron, the NAACP, and the American Business Women’s Association, Shining Star Chapter. Through ABWA, she served as Enrollment Chair, Benevolent Chair, Hospitality Chair, member of the Newsletter Committee, member of the Annual Blues Breakfast Committee, and was honored as Past Woman of the Year. Julia made sure her children had everything they needed to be successful in life. She fully supported her children and grandchildren in their endeavors and believed deeply in helping others whenever needed. Although she did not specially seek out travel, going home to Louisiana was always at the top of her list. Talking on the phone with family and friends about family history was one of her greatest joys. She also enjoyed eating her favorite foods, living in her home, buying clothes, going to church, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Julia leaves to cherish her memory loving “her namesake daughter Julia Hunley”, loving daughters Sheila McConnell-Houston (Edward), and Linda Cunningham; her sons, Garry McConnell and Earl McConnell; her sister, Gloria Jackson; her brother, Louis Brown; her goddaughter, Saturah McConnell; She is also lovingly remembered by her five grandchildren, Rickey Smith, Lakee Luckey, Talitha Bates, Marcus Hunley, and Mariah Hunley; her bonus grandchildren, Rayburn Houston (Mary) and LaTrece Houston; her four great-grandchildren, Rickeya Smith, Daniel Jackson VI, Skylar Hunley, and Carmelo Nevins; her bonus great-grandchild, Mycah Houston; her bonus great-great-grandchild, Micah Houston, her special friends, Angela Givens and Marvena Howard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Will and Donna Brown; her maternal grandparents, William Hopkins and Nannie Osborne; her parents, Gussie and Louis Brown; her husband, Harvey McConnell; her daughter, Danita McConnell Smith Luckey; her brother, Walter Brown; and her sisters, Artenie Blade and Jura Dean Wilson. Julia’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, service, and love, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Funeral service Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Calvary Chapel COGIC. Interment Mount Moriah Cemetery. Visitation 10:00am-11:00am at the church.. Arrangement entrusted to Lawrence A Jones & Cremation. Condolence may be shared on our website.

Ms. Julia B. McConnell

December 5, 1931 - July 11, 2026