Author’s Notebook

Bishop T. Anthony Bronner of Elim Christian Fellowship

I was saddened to hear of the death of Bishop T. Anthony Bronner of Elim Christian Fellowship. He passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Bishop Bronner was an influential leader in the church community. He did the marriage ceremony of my grandson Jesse Doyle, Jr. and his fiancée. My grandson’s fiancée and her family are members of Elim. I attended several educational programs at his church.  When I ran for Lt. Governor of New York he recognized Charles Barron, who ran for Governor and gave the opportunity to speak during the service.

Bishop Bronner welcomed the community members who often had programs to address issues in our community. Bishop Bronner received tributes from many leaders across Buffalo. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and to all of the members of Elim Christian Fellowship. He will be greatly missed. He left a great legacy of service to the church. May he Rest in Heavenly Peace!!

We also lost another member of our city last week on Friday, November 14, 2025. Dr. Juanita Kirkland Hunter was a longtime member of my church, First Shiloh Baptist Church. She made history as a well-known nurse and educator. She led many educational programs for nursing and was a role model for many.  It seems that we are losing so many good people almost on a daily basis.

I am still missing Evelyn “Patti” Merriweather-Ferguson, Executive Editor of the Criterion. We are losing some of the best people in our city. Their legacy will live on forever. To God Be the Glory for their lives and positive influence. We must continue to remember them and share their stories with our youth, especially now in this world of confusion so that they can be inspired by their lives and follow in their footsteps.  They are shining examples for all of us!!