Vernon Leon Dodd

1. Vernon Leon “Dusty” Dodd was born on April 17, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the union of Mr. J.D. Dodd and Ms. Emma Bell Dodd.

Vernon embraced the Islamic faith and was accepted into the Islamic temple, where he was given the holy name Hanee. All praise is given unto the higher spirit for his acceptance into the temple of Allah.

Vernon attended Wendel Phillips Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School, and Lincoln High School. He furthered his education at Moberly Area Community College, where he earned several degrees. Vernon dedicated 28 years of service to Saint Stephen Baptist Church until his health began to decline.

Vernon is preceded in death by his mother, Emma Dodd; father, J.D. Dodd; brother, James Dorsey Sr.; sister, Dorthey Harvey; and brother-in-law, Wayne Harvey.

Vernon departed this life on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. He leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life, Tonna Dodd, whom he married on February 14, 1987. From their union came his first and only son, Jamon L. Buford of Kansas City, MO, and his only daughter, Kiyana L. Dodd (Odell Nelson) of Kansas City, MO, whom he affectionately called his "Duchess."

He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Jamon L. Buford II, Kiy’Shon L. Nelson, Jamarion L. Buford, Saryah L. Buford, Nakeyiah Buford, and Christen L. Buford; his five great-grandchildren: Noah Buford, Yasir Buford, Jeyli Buford, Eliani Buford, and Khy’Mir Nelson.

Vernon’s surviving siblings include Johnny Mae Gunnels of Kansas City, MO; Joyce Ann Johnson of Houston, TX; Mary Dodd Anthony of Kansas City, MO; Rita Dodd of Houston, TX; his sister-in-law, Richella Dorsey of Inglewood, CA; and his only brother, Eddie L. Dodd (Mickey). Vernon was also blessed with a special brother, Jody Lucuas (Lee); a special friend, Olivia Dyan Osborne and family of Kansas City, MO; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Funeral service will be Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Memorial Baptist Church located at 11424 Hickman Mills Dr, Kansas City, Missouri 64134 The visitation will begin at 10:00 am, the service will follow immediatley at 11:00am.