John C. Bias Jr., born February 17, 1931, in Washington, D.C., the son of John C. Bias

Sr and Priscilla C. Bias (née Shorter). He grew up in a home rooted in education and

community service. When the family moved to Scotland Neck, North Carolina, John

graduated from Brawley High School, where his mother was a teacher, and his father

served as principal.

John continued his studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he had the

unique opportunity to provide courier service for Thurgood Marshall, who would later

become the first Black Supreme Court Justice. After three years at Howard, illness

forced him to pause his education, but once he recovered, John enlisted in the United

States Air Force. Stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, he met the

love of his life, Hazel M. Galbrieth. They married in 1955, and together they welcomed

four sons: John III, Andrew, Francis, and James.

After completing four years of military service, John returned to his academic goals,

earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Xavier University in New Orleans. The

family later returned to Scotland Neck. In 1968, the family moved to Wichita, KS., where

John worked as a laboratory technician at St. Francis Hospital until injuring his back in

an elevator accident. He worked a variety of jobs over the years. The key is – he

worked. John always kept a roof over his family’s head and food on the table. He loved

working with his hands, and fancied himself as a mechanic, working on cars and lawn

mowers.

John was born and raised Catholic and became a member of Holy Savior Catholic

Church in 1969 and remained a member until his death.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Priscilla and John Sr.; brother, Francis; his

beloved wife, Hazel; son, John C. Bias III; and granddaughter, Jaunice. He leaves a

legacy to be carried forward by his sons Andrew (Vickie), Francis (Judy), and James

(Maria); twelve grandchildren; twentythree greatgrandchildren; and a host of other

family members and friends.