Lee Chiaramonte

Reverend Lee Chiaramonte April 28, 1950 - August 29, 2021 Born: Carol Lee Gordy in Salina, Kansas in 1950. She passed away at her home in Prairie Village, Kansas on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Reverend Chiaramonte was predeceased by her parents: Nadine (Lombardino) Gordy (1918 - 1961) and Leland F. Gordy (1917 - 1996). She was also predeceased by a half-brother, David Lee Gordy (1943 - 2012). Lee Chiaramonte is survived by three children: Anthony York Velez of Islip, New York and his children, Lee's grandchildren; Aurora 18, Andrew 17, Anthony 12, Angelo 11, Logan 10, Jenna 8, Evonna 6, Christopher 12, and Michael 24. Her next oldest child is Thai Nadine (Chiaramonte) Ellis of Texas. Her youngest is Jaime Karl Chiaramonte of Prairie Village, Kansas. Lee is also survived by a younger sister, Nancy Navarro of Overland Park, Kansas. She left behind a partner, Tammalyn Brothers, of Prairie Village, Kansas. Upon graduation from Ursuline Academy in Paola, Kansas. Reverend Chiaramone enlisted in the United States Navy. In 1968 she married John Velez who was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. They had one child, Anthony York Velez. The marriage ended in divorce. After completing her enlistment with the Navy she moved to New York City and worked as an insurance agent and property/casualty broker. Between 1976 and 1986 she was actively employed, a single mother and a college student. In 1980 she completed her Bachelor of English, Cum Laude at City University of New York. In 1994 she completed her Master of Divinity, Magna Cum Laude at Drew Theological School / Drew University. In 1998 she completed her Master of Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude at Drew University. 1998 - PH.D candidate - Theology and Religion, Drew University. From July 1, 1981 she was the Chair of CBS Women's Advisory Council where she dedicated herself to working as a liaison for Women and Minorities concerning workplace issues. During the same period she was also appointed Chief Legal Assistant to Associate General Counsel for CBS - Inc. The journalistic endeavor she most enjoyed was that of Chief of Staff to Walter Cronkite at CBS News, which was terminated when he retired in August of 1986. Ms. Chiaramonte's next journalism position was as Manager to Gloria Steinem, founder of Ms. Magazine. Lee enjoyed the challenge of working, writing, and fundraising for Ms. Magazine. Her next, and last, position in the media world was as an on-line columnist for the "Woman Today" talk show, at the same time she was also a freelance speechwriter for people such as Marlo Thomas, Madeline Kahn and others who preferred to remain anonymous. Reverend Chiaramonte's last 24 years of her career were dedicated to her religious calling. Positions at Riverside Church in New York, New York, Eastgate Congregation U.C.C. in Bellevue, Washington. Two years as a visiting lecturer in Church and Society at St. Paul school of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. Ten years as an adjunct Instructor in Theology & Religious Studies, Avila University in Kansas, which ran concurrently with the position of Adjunct Instructor in Ethics, Central Baptist Theological School in Kansas City, Kansas. Lastly, her most challenging position which also was her most rewarding was that of Senior Pastor at Independence Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas City, Missouri. There, with help from dedicated staff and committed volunteers, she transformed a small but dedicated ministry called Robert's Cafe into part of Micah Ministry. A ministry led by a dynamic group of dedicated volunteers. In lieu of flowers we humbly ask that you consider a donation to Micah Ministry in care of IBCC at 606 Gladstone Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64124. Donations may be monetary - checks made out to Micah Ministry or do an on-line search of Micah Ministry and see if there is time, talent or treasure that you can donate or share. "WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU BUT TO DO JUSTICE, AND TO LOVE KINDNESS, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD? MICAH 6:8