MINNIE CHINN

On March 12, 1927, Minnie Pearl Bruce Chinn became the first of two children born to Robert Bruce and Vera LaGusta Jenkins Bruce in Kirkwood, Missouri. Their mother passed away when they were young. Her father remarried and there were an additional 8 children born to that union.

Minnie Pearl attended Kirkwood Public School through the 9th grade; she went on to Sumner High School where she graduated in June 1946.  She furthered her education at Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis University for Elementary Education and Business Administration and Economics. Minnie Pearl attended and was baptized at Unity Baptist Church.  She learned to play the piano early in life. Throughout her life, she played for high school glee clubs, choirs, college graduations and several churches.

She married James Chinn and, in that union, they had 6 children: James Michael, Andrea Lee, Russell Alan, Jacqueline Sue (twins), Caroline Louise, and Charles Timothy.  Minnie Pearl was an entrepreneur opening Minnie's Business Service. She also worked for the government, was business manager for Drs. Leslie Bond and Walter Washington and even sold real estate.

She faithfully served the Lord and was active in every church she attended, helping on many boards, committees, and church programs.

Preceded by her death were her parents, Robert Bruce and Vera LaGusta Jenkins Bruce. Siblings: Merilyn Francis Bruce Hamlett, Evelyn Bruce Dunn, Doris Jean Bruce Jordan. Children: James Michael Chinn, Sr., Jacquelin Sue Chinn James.

Survived by Children: Andrea L. Chinn Wood, Russell A Chinn (Crystal), Caroline L. Chinn, Charles T. Chinn (Sharon).

Grandchildren: Regina C. McFadden Robinson, James M. Chinn, Jr, Kimberly Chinn Brown, April Baker, Lesley Chinn, Rhonda Chinn, Erica Chinn Thomas, Nicole Jordan, Latecia Chinn, Michelle Chinn and Andrea James; 14 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great grandchild.

Siblings: Bobbieteen Bruce Austin, Carol Bruce Carroll, Roberteen Bruce (Althea), Victoria Bruce Coulter (Forest), Aileen Bruce Plump, Verneice Bruce Wise (Willie); and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She leaves a legacy of faith, service, love and faithful service to God.  As the Matriarch, her greatest legacy lives on through her family.

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