Ida B. Jimmerson May 24, 1928 – April 25, 2012

Ida Beatrice Flowers – Jimmerson

May 24, 1926 – April 25, 2012

 Ida Beatrice Flowers – Jimmerson was the fifth daughter of Reverend Harold and Mary Flowers. There were eight girls and three boys in the Flowers Texas clan. Born inBryant,TexasIda was that extraordinary daughter and sister that every family would love to have. She was the first in her family to graduate high school, fromA&MConsolidatedHigh Schoolin 1943. And then graduated fromFranklinBeautyCollegeinHouston,Texasin 1945. But not without great sacrifices, upon her  high school graduation she expressed to her mother, Mary, that she wanted to go to beauty college. Ida wanted more success and achievement in her life and her mother understood her daughter’s determination. By taking on more washing to her work load as a maid and caring for the family, Ida said sometimes she would only have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or sardines and crackers to eat for the day. Her determination to create a successful business earned  her enough money to come toKansas City,MO.She worked then as a beautician in the shop of woman name Margaret.  Where Miss Margaret taught Ida the management and success of owning a beauty shop. From what she made Ida B. would send money home to her mother every week, enough to repay her for schooling and even more for extra support. She learned to understand the principles of the “cash cow” management in business. 

Ida B. opened her beauty her first shop on 10^th Vine in 1952 and would attend beautician workshops to learn more about her trade. The Ida’s Beauty Shop had three work stations and Ida became the beautician who was on call as much as a doctor, working a regular 10-12 hour day and even holidays. At a young age, Marquetta,  saw her mother sew a line of hair onto a customer’s hair around 1957, and in 1969 Ida received her certificate for hair-weaving from the Original Hairweavers, Inc. in Hewlett, N.Y. Ida B. became famous for her finger-waves, which were known to last for up to  two weeks or more. Her work ethic could sometimes be considered excessive and working too hard was the one thing Ida was guilty of for many years. For 66 years she worked until her legs became too weak to allow her to stand at the bowl to wash another head of hair.

 Ida B. purchased her first home in 1960 and established her second beauty salon. She purchased her second home in 1977 and opened her third beauty salon. She retained 85% of her clientele with each new location. She knew she would need to supplement her income later in life so she rented the first home. She then purchased the duplex of her parents from her brothers and sisters to create additional savings. During this time she married and divorce Henry Jimmerson. While their union ended they never loss respect for each other. After the divorced she moved into the duplex in 1996 and built her fourth and last beauty shop. She had customers who celebrated over 50 years of service with Ida. B. Her shops were sometimes used for celebrations and special tea parties her daughter would have with very special ladies who came to get the best curls and finger waves in Kansas City. Ida B. retired from her beauty shop services as a beautician in 2011 after her 85^th birthday. She really missed her customers and they missed her. Miss Ida as her customers would call her would take her curling irons and pressing combs anywhere she could be of service. During her final days she would ask about getting her done everyday. When her daughter Marquetta pinned curled her hair she inspected the curls and said “you did a good job”. “Thank you my daughter”!

 Ida B. learned to save money the way her mother Mary and Miss Margaret taught her. By understanding the leverage of creating cash savings Ida B. was able to move three sisters and help two brothers come toKansas City,MO.She made sure they had a place to live and food to eat and assisted in finding them work. The first sister to live with Ida B. and her daughter was Hazel. This love for family represents how Ida B. would choose to create life long legacies that would be a blessing for others throughout her adult years and she became the matriarch of her family. 

 Born of a minister, Ida and Hazel, joined their first church inKansas Cityon Christmas Eve in 1950 atHighlandBaptistChurch. They knew their Mother Mary would expect them to have a church home where to this day their hearts and souls are planted in Jesus Christ. She was rooted inHighlandBaptistChurchand  blossomed inMetropolitanBaptistChurch. Ida was a woman of God and loved the LORD with all her heart and soul. She has had only one church in her adult lifeMetropolitanMissionaryBaptistChurchand was a strong and loyal supporter.  Ida served in several leadership roles including the Hostess Ministry, Mission Ministry, and Women’s Bible Study. She wrote speeches for special occasions and was known as a woman who could deliver a powerful message on faith before it was recognized that women had a right to serve as ministers. Although she did not learn to drive until 1977, she would take a cab to church every Sunday. If required she would take two cabs to return to special programs and events. Ida made sure her daughter had a chance to participate in the church and learn the responsibility of serving God first. Ida would call her daughter Marquetta and son Herman every Sunday morning at 6:30 am to wake them up to get ready for church. This weekly ritual continued for 38 years until she broke her arm the weekend of Thanksgiving 2011.

 Ida was known to be a fancy woman of designer attire on Sundays. During the 1950’s she and her daughter would ride the bus to go shopping on Mondays. They would have so many bags a cab would be needed to bring them home. She always dressed up to go shopping so she could be treated with a level of respect during a time when people of color could only make purchases in segregated sections of the store. When Ida B. decided to make a large purchase she always planned ahead. One Saturday morning she called her daughter Marquetta and told her she wanted to purchase a new coat. When Marquetta arrived she told her she wanted a new fur coat and directed her to drive downtown. After arriving at the store and trying on several coats Ida B. made her final selection. She requested her daughter to try on the coat stating that they would both wear the coat. She then promptly told the salesman to wrap the coat up.  Ida turned to Marquetta and told her to write a check for the full amount. Marquetta whispered in her mother’s ear, do you have enough money to cover this check? Ida responded with an affirmative yes. She said “a lady always keeps a little cash on hand”. The last purchased they made together was a beautiful white hat with rhinestones. Mother Ida Jimmerson said it was important for mothers on the “Mother Board of MMBC to look their best.

 Ida B. was known as a “Prayer Warrior”. When you asked Ida to pray, she would say “now be patient watch the power of God begin to move”. Her daughter and granddaughters would often call her for prayer on meetings, interviews, tests and she would say “Now I have already talked to the Lord, I have been on my knees.” She would always make time for payer. She believed in forgiveness. Ida B. was a true servant of prayer in the name of our LORD and Jesus Christ. “In Christ we can come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this through faith in Christ.”  EPHESIANS 3:12

 Ida the “Mother and Grandmother (Grammy)” were her most beloved titles. She sacrificed willingly to ensure these daughters could exceed their dreams. She believed and supported their goals. When they slipped she would pray. When they achieved success she would pray. Ida made sure her girls understood giving back to others the community and the church. Herman Glass was always her son not just a son-in law. She never referred to him as my daughter’s husband. She delighted in taking his side when he would ask her to support him. She had a great sense of humor and she would make a statement that would cause you to think and laugh. Marquetta Glass (daughter), Marri and Stacey Glass (granddaughters) represent her ongoing legacy in the power of prayer. Mother and Grammy Ida has been a great teacher and supporter of prayer.

 Ida B Jimmerson leaves to continue her service of prayer through her daughter and son Marquetta and Herman Glass, granddaughters Marri and Stacey Glass, sisters Hazel Banks and Jean Carter, sister in-law Barbara Flowers, ex-husband Henry Jimmerson, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother-Mary Flowers, father-Harold Flowers, sisters – Helen, Enola Mae, Vera, Ester, and Marie, brothers- Clarence, Charles and Harold, brother-in-law Douglas Banks, step-grandson Damon Glass, and partner/friend- Alfred Keys.

 We thank you LORD JESUS CHRIST for the Favor of service you granted Ida B. Flowers-Jimmerson. We thank you our HEAVENLY FATHER for the Love and Protection you permitted us to experience through your servant Ida. We thank you FATHER GOD for the daily Blessings you gave through the prayers of your daughter Ida B. We thank you HOLY TRINITY for the Knowledge and Wisdom you gifted through Ida B. who taught everyone she knew how Praise and give Glory to your word. “Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Everything you do or say should be done to obey Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:16-17

 Special Thanks and Appreciation

Hazel Banks and Darin Banks you are truly a loving example of how to love and be of service. When Ida B.,  your sister and aunt needed, a home to transition in her final days you came to the table with open hearts and daily sacrifice to make it a comfortable and loving one.

 Heartland Hospice of Greater Kansas City – Ms. Flaurdine, Ms. Stacy, Nurse Carol and Nurse Joyce what an army of love you represent. The healing services came with prayer. We were able to create beautiful moments in Ida’s final days because of your care.

 Marion never waited to come to the table. Mother Ida Jimmerson enjoyed her days with you. You did not let the wheelchair or the distance of the nursing home prevent your love and service. Your patience was a gift that exceeded boundaries of today’s discipleship.

 Johnny and Dee Carpenter bless MMBC with the establishment of “Break-time” for seniors. Mother Jimmerson looked forward to her Wednesdays at church. She graduated from computer class with pride that she learned how to use a mouse. When the sound of a voice brings “JOY”, then you know there is a special place in the heart. Mother Jimmerson’s smile when she would hear your voice was a wonderful gift. You both  represent the spirit filled love and care of the Deacon Family

 Pastor Wallace Hartsfield II and Minister Amy Hartsfield we greatly appreciate the deep rooted prayers you provided during Mother Jimmerson’s last days. Thank you for sharing the legacy of Mother Jimmerson’s spiritual wisdom and her impact on your life and the church.

 Anita and Onita Lister, beloved cousins, Mother Jimmerson spoke of your love for MMBC Elders. She was honored to know of your loving care for your parents. She viewed your care taking as a shinning example of disciple service.

 Barbara Flowers you are the sister and aunt who we treasure everyday. It was an honor to take you and mother to the Oprah Show in Chicago. What a time we had. Your smiles, laughter, and tears of joy will remain in my heart. Thank you for choosing to take in the family.

 MMBC Family, Universal Family, & Loving Friends were grateful beyond words of expression. Thank you for being so kind and generous. “A joyful spirit is evidence of a grateful heart.”  MAYA ANGELOU