Your Guide to Remembering Kansas City’s Creative Souls
Kansas City has always been a vibrant hub of creativity and community, showcasing remarkable individuals who have made a lasting impact on everyone around them. Recently, several beloved members of the community have passed, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the lives of Nikita Vonee and her father, along with two other remarkable Kansas Citians, Fenwick Robertson and Derrell Pratt, who also made their mark.
Nikita Vonee: A Life Driven by Arts
Growing up in South Kansas City, Nikita Vonee didn’t realize that her life would be deeply intertwined with the arts. Over the years, she found her passions in painting, writing, and singing, with crucial guidance and support from her father, Norman Woodley. “The thing that we did the most together was to attend jazz concerts,” Vonee reminisced fondly. Her father introduced her to the rhythms of music, a nurturing connection that blossomed over time.
Woodley, a retired healthcare insurance professional and minister, fought valiantly against pancreatic cancer for six years before he passed away on September 18 at the age of 69. As Vonee reflects on their last months together, she finds comfort knowing her father maintained his light-hearted spirit, even amidst challenges. “He was always a very lively and very funny person,” she said, recalling how they affectionately dubbed him the “bad joke guy.” His corny jokes and kindhearted nature endeared him to everyone around him.
As a minister since 2006, Woodley touched countless lives at the Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church. Vonee admired how he reached out to those in need, always genuine in his desire to help others. “My father was a man of his word and man of his faith,” she stated resolutely.
Though grieving, Vonee, a dedicated registered nurse, pours her love for the arts into her community, continuing to share the joys of music and creativity that her father instilled in her. She feels grateful that her dad was present for pivotal moments in her life, like opening an art studio and performing on stage. “He was always there for every big moment,” she said, with a smile. Vonee and her two sisters cherish the lessons learned from him, knowing he would want them to remain strong as a family. “He loved being surrounded by his family,” she mentioned, capturing the essence of his legacy.
Fenwick Robertson: A Veteran and Family Man
Another cherished member of the Kansas City community was Fenwick Robertson, a U.S. Army Veteran who passed away on August 23 at 70. Born on February 18, 1954, Robertson was a proud graduate of Paseo High School and served his country honorably in the Army. After returning to civilian life, he explored various jobs in the construction industry until he opened his own business, Fast Action Lawn Care, where he proudly worked alongside his grandsons.
Remembered by his loving wife LaJeune Robertson and his large family including children, grandchildren, and many friends, Robertson’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and the importance of family gatherings. His legacy resonates through his family and the community he cherished.
Derrell Pratt: The Heart of Sports and Music
Lastly, we must honor Derrell Pratt, an avid industrial worker, who also left us too soon on September 9, at the young age of 69. Born on January 1, 1955, Pratt was a well-rounded athlete, playing multiple sports during his time at Raytown South High School. He went on to earn a basketball scholarship to attend St. John’s University, showcasing his talents on the court.
Back in Kansas City, Pratt explored various roles in the industrial sector while remaining devoted to his passion for sports and music. He is survived by his mother, children, brothers, and a host of loving family and friends who will forever remember his zest for life.
Conclusion
These incredible individuals, from Nikita Vonee to Fenwick Robertson and Derrell Pratt, highlight the richness of community spirit in Kansas City. Their stories, filled with love, creativity, and resilience, remind us to cherish the moments we have with loved ones and to continue bringing joy to those around us in whatever ways we can. Their legacies will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of many.
