Ulysses Silas

Ulysses Silas, affectionately known as “Ulkie” was born on August 2, 1947 in Newark, New Jersey to parents, Emma J. Silas and Albert J. Middleton, Sr. Ulysses attended and graduated from 18th Avenue Elementary, West Kenny Jr. High and Southside High School, all located in Newark, New Jersey. Ulysses met the love of his life, Derris Gregory outside of the shop class at West Kenny Jr. High School in 1963. In 1968, the two welcomed their first daughter, Dorrice and in 1969 they welcomed their second daughter, Darnette. On September 6, 1969 Ulysses and Derris were married and remained married for 51 years. In 1974, Ulysses moved his family from Newark, New Jersey to Kansas City, Missouri. Ulysses accepted the Lord at an early age in Newark, New Jersey. In 1984, Ulysses became a member of Welcome Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri and then in 1987, he took his family to Temple of Truth Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri under the leadership of Reverend France Holmes and Barbara J. Henderson. In 1994, Ulysses and his family moved to Umatilla, Florida where he attended Jerusalem Worship Center (JWC) off and on for a while before becoming a member of Healing Waters in Eustis, Florida. Ulysses worked for Golden Gem in Umatilla, Florida and Burke and Mercer until his retirement due to failing health. Ulysses’ greatest joy was his family and his love of cooking. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma J. Brown- Bryant and Albert J. Middleton, Sr.; brothers: Michael Middleton and Kenneth Brown; Grandson, Vontay (Geno) Silas and Great Granddaughter, Jaice L. Henderson. He leaves to cherish his special memories…his Wife, Derris Silas of Eustis, Florida; Daughters: Dorrice Temple (Rodney) of Kansas City, Missouri and Darnette Lane (Leonard) of Tavares, Florida; Brothers: Albert Middleton, Jr. (Elizabeth) David Brown (Nikki), Michael Hodge and Robert Lee Bryant, Jr. (Linda); Sisters: Deborah Oliver Roberts, Monique Hodge (Devon) and Destiny Brown-Bryant; 9 Grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren; Honorary Brothers: Brent Murray, Curtis Osler, Victor Charles and Marcus Dickson; two special ladies whom he affectionately called “Momma”: Momma Brown and Momma Dickson; one Uncle along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Tributes

Ulysses Silas

August 2, 1947 - May 4, 2021