Mrs. Johnnie K. "KK" Saunders

Johnnie Kaye-Kaye Saunders was born February 2, 1937 in Marthaville, Louisiana to Joseph and Eula (Lindsay) Fairley. She was the third child of three, ( Curtis and Ethel) making her the baby girl. She and her family migrated to Kansas City, Kansas in 1946 in search of better opportunities. She departed this world on July 18, 2026. Her parents and siblings have all preceded her in death. Kaye grew up in Kansas City Kansas. She attended Stowe Elementary School, Northeast Junior High School and graduated from Sumner High School in 1956. She attended Pittsburg State University in 1956 to continue pursuing her education, culminating in 1962, with the receipt of her Licensed Practical Nursing license from Menorah Medical Center, in Kansas City, MO. Kaye was a member of Christian Fellowship Baptist Church and was saved at the age of 33. Kaye had many occupations. She was a nurse at Menorah Medical Center, St. Margaret Hospital, and Swope Parkway Health Center. She also worked for the Chrysler Corporation and City of KCMO in the capacity of executive secretary. She and Tuckie went on to manage CL Fairley Construction Company for years after the untimely passing of her brother Curtis. The position she spoke about most was with The Urban League of Kansas City, where she was known as “Mrs. Jobs”. She was a placement coordinator that successfully placed hundreds of citizens into good paying jobs and or careers in an era they were hard to come by. This is also where she met Larynthia Williams and family, her life long friends. Kaye was an avid shopper, dancer, swimmer and sports fan, she loved the Kansas City Chiefs. She was also a well-dressed and polished diva who loved eat Gates BBQ, listen to the blues and have fun. She would call out Kaye-Kaye in the house to announce her presence up until the end. Kaye was married to Sylvester Townsend in 1957 and to that union Tammy R. Townsend was born. She remarried in 1961 to Thomas L. Saunders Sr. and enjoyed over 60 years of marriage with him until his death in 2020. To that union Thomas L. Saunders Jr. was born. Kaye leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Tammy Bates (Ron), beloved son Thomas L. Saunders Jr., beloved stepdaughter Millicent Frederick (Victor). Grandchildren Laci Smith, Lindsey Woods, Thomas R. Saunders, Angela Francis, Anthony Francis, Mark Francis and Andrew Francis. And a host of great grandchildren and relatives, especially London Johnson and Lauren Smith who visited regularly to dance for her. Funeral Services will be held on Friday July 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church. Interment Highland Park Cemetery. Visitation 10:00a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Homes & Cremation. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Mrs. Johnnie K. "KK" Saunders

February 2, 1937 - July 18, 2026