Jenice Jenet Prather-Kinsey

Sunset: June 3, 2025

With hearts full of love and remembrance, we announce the passing of Jenice Jenet Prather Kinsey, who departed this life peacefully on June 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Jenice was a woman of grace, strength, and quiet wisdom. She graduated from Central High School in 1971, then continued her educational journey at Lindenwood University in Missouri, earning her B.S. degree in Business and Accounting in 1977. She later pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Illinois and ultimately earned her Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Alabama. Her academic journey reflected her passion for learning and laid the foundation for a remarkable career.

Jenice’s ability to listen, uplift, and connect with others defined her professional life and touched countless individuals. She began her academic career at the University of Missouri, where she retired as a tenured professor in 2012. She later joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she made history as the first African American woman to become a full professor in the School of Business. Her dedication, professionalism, and compassion left a lasting impact on the institutions and communities she served.

She authored numerous research publications, was actively involved in community work, and faithfully attended the Church of the Highlands, where she served in various ministries.

Jenice was the beloved daughter of the late Bertha Lee Prather and Winston Prather, whose values of faith, education, and service lived on through her. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her two sons, Robert and Winston, whom she raised with unwavering love, strength, and grace.

Grounded in her faith, Jenice found peace in the promises of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” She lived a life led by faith and grace.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Bertha Lee Prather and Winston Prather; two uncles, Willie D. and Sam; and seven aunts: Ione, Ruthie, Tommie Lee, Bonnie Mae, Bennie Mae, Vanera, and Ethel.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Reginald Kinsey; sons, Robert Stewart and Winston Stewart (Aria); granddaughter, (Carter); grandson, sister, Cynthia Prather; brother, Winston Prather; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends.

Jenice will be truly missed for her deep dedication to Christ, her genuine smile, and the love she shared with all who crossed her path.

Forever loved and deeply missed,

The Family of Jenice Prather Kinsey

A celebration of life for Jenice will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, followed by a repass from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.