Ms. Loyse A. McClunie

                               Celebrating the Life of Loyse A. McClunie

                          Sunrise:  June 21, 1923 - Sunset: June 24, 2021

Loyse Adele McClunie was born June 21, 1923 in Cleveland, Arkansas, the fifth child of eleven children born to the union of Robert and Blanchie Meeks.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, George McClunie, her parents Robert and Blanchie (Byers) Meeks; two sons: Curtis Earl McClunie and Tillman Allen McClunie; daughter-in-law: Emma Jean McClunie; three brothers: Albert Meeks, Morgan Meeks, and Cleotis Meeks; seven sisters: Elzie Blaylock-McKay, Jaretha V. Canady, Velma “Inez” Meeks, Mary Meeks, Opal Canady, Argie Meeks, and Marvine Meeks; and a godson, Michael Charles..

Mother Loyse received her childhood education in Cleveland, Arkansas. Her parents were farmers during the Depression Era.  She would share with her children how she worked from sunrise to sundown for fifty cents to help support the family.

She began reading her favorite book in the Bible, the gospel of St. John, at age nine.  She tells the story of when she accepted Christ as her Savior… at the age of twelve – sitting on the “mourner’s bench” with her mother and sisters at Moore’s Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Cleveland.  Mother McClunie said it this way… “Momma said, “You not leaving here until you feel the power of the Holy Spirit!” And she’s been praising and serving God ever since.

Mother Loyse was well-known for letting God have His way in her praise to Him. Her focus in life was to “give God all you have, ask what He will have you to do, and then let God use you.”  Her favorite songs were “Old Ship of Zion” and “We Shall Behold Him.” 

In 1946, Mother Loyse was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Mr. George McClunie on March 9, 1946, and to this union they were blessed with seven children: Tillman “Charles Earl” McClunie, Curtis Earl McClunie, Geraldine McClunie, Vivian “Built-in” Georgia McClunie, Carmeleta Faye McClunie, Rickey Leron McClunie, and Marsha Lorraine McClunie. She believed in living the life she professed in Jesus before them. She did not work outside the home until her youngest child was in school all day.  After that time, she worked in the Kansas City Missouri School District for 19 ½ years as a baker for two elementary schools.  Staff would come to the cafeteria early and put in their order for her homemade cinnamon rolls.  She made a “mean” homemade pizza, too!

Mother Loyse was appointed to the position of Deaconess under Pastor Kenneth Monroe - then pastor of Metropolitan A. M. E. Zion Church - now Bishop Kenneth Monroe. She had watched and admired the work of the Deaconess Board. She was a member of the Adult Choir and was overseer of sending cards to the sick and shut in. She was an active member of various organizations in the church.  She was a quiet, gentle, virtuous woman of God.  As a Mother of the church, she shared her wisdom with younger women “only” because of the love she had for them.

Mother Loyse was an avid walker. She faithfully walked the track at the Royals Stadium – walking 2 miles around – five -six days a week at 5:30 a.m.  She is now “walking around heaven” all day!

Mother Loyse was an avid giver to people in need and nature conservation.  She donated to many charities i.e. A Soldiers Wish; Wounded Warriors Project, Doctor’s Without Borders, The Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, Food for the Poor, World Villages for Children, Make A Wish Foundation, and many more.

Mother Loyse A. McClunie leaves to cherish her precious memory; four daughters: Geraldine Simmons (Herston), Vivian “Built-In” Georgia Young, Carmeleta Faye McClunie of Kansas City, MO; Marsha Lorraine Ellis (Billy Ray) of San Antonio, TX.; and one son: Rickey Laron McClunie, of Kansas City, MO. Eleven grandchildren: Terence Allen McClunie, Sr. (Sequendalyn) of Alcoa, TN; Tillman McClunie II (Vonetta) of Blue Springs, MO; Timothy Lamont McClunie and Tonino McClunie of Kansas City, MO; Marletha Renee Davis (Niwar) of South Carolina; Kemba Mariama Simmons of Cottlesville, MO; Simona Aloyse Simmons of Kansas City, MO; Quiera Marcella Young of Kansas City, MO; RaVyne Briana Blanson (Darrius) of Lawrenceville, GA; Rashaunna Arielle Price of Overland Park, KS; Carol Ann Terrell (Wilson) of Schertz, TX.  Fourteen great- grandchildren: Terence Allen McClunie II (Lena) of Knoxville, TN; Mario Dion McClunie of Nashville, TN; Tyrin McClunie and Destiny McClunie of Knoxville, TN; Millennia Kaye and Zariya Joy Simmons of Cottlesville, MO; Amari Cameron and Monroe Yvette Blanson of Lawrenceville, GA; Nia Ray and Wilson Terrell III of Schertz, TX; Teaire Manese McClunie of Dallas, TX; Tillman “Tre” McClunie III, Kayla Naomi Haile and Tamia Paulette McClunie of Blue Springs, MO. Seven great-great grandchildren: Lyric Marie and Lyzah Louise McClunie of Knoxville, TN; Chi McClunie of Nashville, TN; Tazhane, Nina, Dominique and Tiana McClunie of Kansas City, MO.

Mother Loyse was loved by her family’s nieces and nephews of Ernest McClunie children; Marvine Meeks children, and Column Windus Roseburr children. Two very special nieces that were dear to her heart ~ Maeola Byers (Ollieway) and Alice Morris. And a special nephew Denorris Blaylock (Elzie) whom she loved like a son. She had a very special friend, Kenneth Dantzler.  A host of cousins ~ too numerous to mention, but not forgotten.  All praise be to God for the legacy she has left behind.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 11:00am at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. Interment Thursday, July 8, 2021, 11:00am Leavenworth National Cemetery, LVNKS. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the church. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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