Family of Elmer PRICE and Thelma F. JARRETT

Husband: Elmer PRICE

	Elmer PRICE

Wife: Thelma F. JARRETT

	Thelma F. JARRETT

Child 1: Sharon Jeanne PRICE

	Sharon Jeanne PRICE		Spouse: Frederick TATUM

Child 2: Carole PRICE

	Carole PRICE		Spouse: Henry Albert SMITH

Note on Husband: Elmer PRICE

Elmer was born September 12, 1917 in Wellington, Missouri to parents, Allen Elmer Price and Samantha Anne Martin. His parents preceded him in death. The family moved to Kansas City, Kansas and he attended Dunbar Elementary School, Northeast Junior High and graduated from Sumner High School in 1935.

He was united in marriage to Thelma F. Jarrett and to this union two daughters were born. Sharon Jeanne preceded her father in death. In 1952, Elmer married Maxine Spencer and they were married over 50 years. She preceded him in death on March 24,2004.

Elmer professed his belief in Christ at an early age and became a member of Strangers Rest Baptist Church. Elmer and Maxine were faithful members of Strangers Rest Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

Elmer retired from the U. S. Postal Service after more than 30 years of service.

Elmer, aka "Price", was a well-known jazz musician in the Kansas City area and nationwide. He loved music and loved playing his trumpet. Elmer played in the marching band at Northeast Junior High School. He played with Oliver Todd's Orchestra in high school, later known as the Hot N Tots. By the time Elmer was 17 years old, he had begun to play with the Paul Banks' Orchestra. During the 30's, he played with the W.P.A. Band, during the 40's he worked for North American Aviation and played in the Bomber Plant Band under the direction of Chauncey Downs. Elmer played at the famous College Inn, Tootie's Mayfair and the Antlers' Club in Kansas City with Jessie Price, Tommy Douglas and Franz Bruce. He started a group called "Elmer Price and His Five Gone Guys". Elmer played regularly during the 40's and 50's at the Jockey Club in the Parkview Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. In the 50's, he traveled with Ernie Fields Big Band and Jamie Edwards' Theatrical Show, "Home of the Brave" which traveled to Memphis, Oklahoma City, New York, Washington, D.C. and many other cities on the east coast. On one occa-sion when Duke Ellington passed through Kansas City, Elmer sat in and played at the advice of Ben Webster. He has played with numerous groups in the Kansas City area. He organized and played with the original "K.C. Jazz Sextet + One" for many years until his health began to fail. Elmer received numerous awards throughout his music career. His daughter, Carole was honored to have her father play at her retirement celebration. Elmer was a member of the Musicians Mutual Foundation of Kansas City, Missouri and Elder Statesmen of Kansas City.

Elmer transitioned on Friday, November 26, 2004 at Presbyterian Manor in Kansas City, Kansas. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Elmer leaves to cherish his memory, daughter, Carole Newton (Carmon) of Kansas City, Kansas; granddaughters, LaTanya, Glenda, Debra, Toianne (Steve) of Kansas City, Kansas; grandsons, Harold of Kansas City, Kansas and Frederick, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri; son-in-law, Frederick Tatum, Sr. of Kansas City, Missouri; special cousins, Matthew and Nina Dixon of Kansas City, Missouri; Virginia Clardy of Burnville, Minnesota; twelve great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Note on Wife: Thelma F. JARRETT

Thelma F. (Jarrett) King was born February 24, 1918, at the home in Kansas City, Kansas to parents - Robert L. N. and Edith A. Jarrett. Thelma was the eldest of seven (7) - 3 girls and 4 boys, Laura Williams, Estella Tompkins, John Jarrett, Nelson Jarrett, Carl Jarrett, and Richard Jarrett. Her parents and brothers Nelson, John, and Richard preceded her in death.

Thelma attended Stowe and Dunbar Elementary school, Northeast Jr. High and Sumner High School. She married Walter E. King, Sr. on September 2, 1950. She was a mother of four, 3 daughters, 2 by previous marriage, and 1 son. She was a member of Good Samaritan Baptist Church. She was employed as an Administrative Secretary with the Heart of America Eye Center, a former United Way agency from 1969-1978 and as a Secretary in Pupil Records with the Kansas City, Missouri School District, 1978-1983.

Thelma moved to Kansas City, Missouri in the late 1940's. She first became involved in community work when reading about a group of ladies named "The Community Committee for Social Action" (CCSA). The committee was calling for community support in ending discrimination in eating places, for the employment of minorities, and the hiring of minority bus drivers. She joined the committee. Her community activities and awards include: "Woman of the Year" award sponsored by The Kansas City Call and Greyhound Bus Lines, Inc., 1968; Freedom Incorporated "Freedom Award," 1971; "Recognition Award" from the George Washington Carver Neighborhood Center, 1972; and "Citizen of the Week" award from KCXL radio station, 1985. She was appointed by former Presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson to the "U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Advisory Committee for the State of Missouri" (served 8 years); by past Mayor Illus Davis to the Model Cities Board, 1968; to the Advisory Board of the American Civil Liberties Union; by former Superintendent James Hazlett to "The Council of 30," for the Kansas City, Missouri School District (KCMOSD) to study and make recommendations on the integration of the school district. She was a volunteer for the League of Women voters and served on the Education committees of the Council for United Action (CUA), Congress on Racial Equality (CORE), NAACP, and the Urban League. In 1983-84, she worked with a group working on the KCMOSD Desegregation Plan.

A quote from her award as Woman of the Year "Through bitter cold win-ters and scorching summer months, Thelma King could be found carrying a picket sign in front of downtown restaurants who had refused to serve Blacks and seeking the successful hiring of minority bus drivers. As a concerned mother of four children, Thelma King's quest for equal educational opportunities took precedence in her life and helped pave the way for generations on end."