Shirley Sons

Shirley Jean Sons, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Sunrise of Leawood Senior Living, Leawood, KS. Shirley was born August 04, 1931, to Theran Colby and Elizabeth (Kidwell) Laswell, near Avondale, MO. Shirley attended grade school in North Kansas City as well as North Kansas City High School but graduated from Tate High School, Cantonment, FL, in 1949, when her father was transferred to Pensacola, FL. Following the short time they spent in Florida, the family returned to their home in Clay County, MO where Shirley met the love of her life. On March 23, 1951, she married James L. Sons, they remained married for 67 years until James’ death in 2018. Together they built their home in Claycomo, MO, and were blessed with two daughters, Deborah Lynn and Sandra Gale.

As a homemaker, Shirley’s focus was always on her family, she loved to cook and decorate, and classy “bling” was her thing.

Shirley was a member of the Claycomo Baptist Church and Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. She was a long time choir member, Sunday school and Training Union teacher to young adults. She was a member of the G.A.’s Girls Christian Leadership organization. At Pleasant Valley Baptist Church she and other dedicated members decorated the church for various gatherings including weddings. Shirley was a member of the Red Hat Society where she was Queen Mother for 10 years.

Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, a brother Colby Lee, and sister, Marilyn Livasy, and a son-in-law, Jeff Brooks.

She is survived by her daughters: Debbie (Phil) Trump of Kearney, MO, and Sandy Brooks of Bucyrus, KS. Grandchildren: Mike (Courtney) and Brad (Jessica) Trump, Taylor (Jimmy) Penrod, and Great grandchildren: Haley, Annie, Joe, Emma, Harper Trump, her sister, Jodine Portwood, brother, Jerry Laswell, and many other family and friends.

Shirley’s departing wish was, “The Lord has blessed me so greatly in my life, so don’t be sad as I’m going home to be with my maker and I’ll see you in the bye and bye…”

Visitation will be Thursday, February 21, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with Funeral Services immediately following at 11:00 AM at Terrace Park Funeral Home, 801 NW 108th St. (169 Hwy & Shoal Creek) Kansas City, MO. Burial to follow in Terrace Park Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and The American Cancer Society.