Mr. Edward "Jay" Hornsby, Jr.

Edward “Jay” Hornsby, Jr. was the eldest child of Mary Kelly (then Hornsby) and Edward Hornsby, Sr., born in Meridian Mississippi February 22, 1954.  He spent his early years in Meridian, later moving to Kansas City, Missouri.  Edward made his transition, February 18th, 2024.

In Mississippi he attended East End Elementary School progressing to Magnolia Junior High School, where he excelled academically, and maintained the status of an honor student throughout.  At the age of 15 he attended Annunciation Catholic School. Later, he attended Lincoln High School followed by Southeast High Sr. Upon graduation from high school Jay attended Texas Southern University, studying Broadcast Operations and Pre-Law, while working as a DJ at KTSU.

Jay always had a profound vernacular and used that skill to assist others in a variety of ways.

Jay was married twice, Tommie-Jo Allison, and years later to Julie Bates. He fathered two sons Ryan Hornsby, Sr. by Denise Bolton and the youngest son Loren Hornsby (by Julie Bates-Hornsby). 

Jay lived what appeared to be an exciting life with many friends and ventured on many paths freely. His friends were loyal even to this day. He was captivating and exciting in his adventures and could convince anyone, at any time, to participate in his adventures and escapades. He always had a plan and ideas to execute. One could easily assume he was an event planner. He was a lover of music, with no boundaries as to the genre or artist. He read incessantly, from the dictionary to paperback novels. His love for the English language was contagious and made others close to him seek out that skill of language as well, especially his youngest sister.  His dancing skill was quite suspect but enlightened others to join at a moment’s notice.

Jay was a member of a local masonic lodge in Kansas City, and the local Labor Union, 663, although, as you know, Jay was not committed to physical labor, he always sought out alternative means of employment.  On a more serious note, Jay was instrumental in assembling the “Youth for Bruce” Bruce Watkins’ campaign for Mayor of Kansas City. His love for the study of the law led to his continued efforts to volunteer and work in the political arena, supporting others as they launched campaigns for many years to follow alongside his mother, Mary Kelly.

BJ is loved by many. He was preceded in death by both parents Edward and Mary, and his youngest son, Loren. He leaves to celebrate his life, son Ryan W. Hornsby, Sr., and grandson Ryan W. Hornsby, Jr., granddaughters, Slafka Contreras and Elizabeth Contreras, and their mother Hilda Hornsby; his brothers and sisters: Jacqueline McKinney, Robert Daniels, Thomas Hornsby (Marilyn), Germaine Hornsby, Charlton Hornsby (Renee), Ann Kelly and Byron Hornsby.

 Also, nephews, James Brewer, Gavin Hornsby, Christian and Christopher Hornsby, and Marcus McDonald (Tanisha), Twan Dean, London McDonald and Journei McDonald.  The grand-nieces and nephews:  Kiearra Brewer, Amani Brewer, Cylas Brewer, Neko Brewer, Zion Brewer, Cain Brewer, Naiomi Brewer, and Sophia Brewer; Destiny Contreras, Xavien Contreras, Leslie Alley, Niurka Alley, Nasir Lee, Javeon Lee, and Aaliyah Contreras. Surviving aunt and uncle Pat and Robert Belle. He will also be loved by a host of cousins, and other relatives.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, 2:00pm at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Services conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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