Deacon Curtis Hammons Sr.

Deacon Curtis Hammons, Sr., a devoted servant of God and pillar of his community, was born on September 6, 1937 in Center Ridge, Arkansas, to Clyde and Rheaber Hammons and attended Conway County Training School in Menifee, Arkansas. At the age of 12, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church. After graduating in 1955, Curtis married his high school sweetheart, the late Sister Annie Mae Byers Hammons, and the couple moved to Kansas City, Missouri. They were blessed with one son, Curtis Hammons, Jr. For more than 30 years, Curtis and his family faithfully served at Memorial Baptist Church, where he was Chairman of the Board of Deacons and Trustees and contributed in many other roles.

A founding member of Ebenezer M.B. Church of Jesus Christ, Curtis served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons and Trustees for 65 years, sang in the male chorus, and taught Discipleship Training and Adult Sunday. He enhanced his biblical knowledge through courses at Western Baptist Bible College and active participation in the National Baptist Convention. Deeply committed to ministry, he led and supported numerous Ebenezer ministries alongside his wife. Beyond his ministry, Curtis left a lasting legacy in early childhood education. In 1975, he and his late wife, Annie Mae, founded what became Southside Preschool, serving Kansas City families for 46 years. Guided by faith, they created a loving, nurturing environment where generations of children were prepared for school. After Annie Mae’s retirement, Curtis continued as President while his daughter (in-law), Patreace Hammons, led as Director with the same devotion—never turning a child away. In 2021, they closed the doors with deep gratitude for the countless families who entrusted them with their children.

In 2007, Curtis was widowed, and in 2010, God blessed him with a new partner in life and ministry, his loving wife, Belinda “BJ” Johnson-Hammons. Together, they served faithfully in church and community. Curtis was a dedicated leader in the Laymen’s movement, serving two terms as President of the New Era District Laymen before becoming its Parliamentarian. Curtis and Belinda served together as Discipleship Training teachers, gave leadership to stewardship in the following Ebenezer Ministries: Bereavement, Deacon & Deaconess, Home & Hospital Visitation, Men’s Ministry, Nursery, Transforming Lives, Van transportation and Security. Curtis will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong biblical knowledge, steadfast leadership, and loving spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Rheaber Hammons; brothers, Scippio Hammons and Leo Hammons; sisters, Della Hammons and Loisteen Mitchem. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Belinda “BJ” Hammons; his son, Curtis Hammons, Jr. (Patreace); sister-in-laws, LuVellar Byers and Flourine Byers; grandchildren, Damon Hammons, Dawan Hammons (Dawn), and Curtis Hammons III (Shanae); and a host of great-grandchildren, including his beloved great-granddaughter, Toyana Williams, who affectionately called him “Corporate” and lovingly cared for him during his illness. He is also survived by great- great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be sent to Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Curtis Hammons Sr. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church 8640 Sni A Bar Rd. Kansas City, MO 64129.

There will be a wake on Friday August 15, 2025 from 5 P.M. - 8 P.M. at Ebenezer Baptist Church. 

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025, visitation 10 A.M. - 11 A.M. with services beginning 11 A.M. at Ebenezer Baptist Church. 

Interment: Longview Cemetery