Shirley Givens' Obituary
Shirley A. Givens, 85, of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Boonville passed away on Saturday, February 18th, 2023, at the Kansas City Hospice House. Services will be held Friday, March 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday at the church.
Shirley A. Givens was born June 13, 1937, to Vernice Givens, in Gooches Mill, Missouri. She was the oldest of six girls.
Her grandmother, (Addie Banks) was instrumental in raising her during childhood until moving to Boonville. Addie Banks was affectionately known to the family as “Momma.”
Shirley graduated from Sumner High School in 1955. This was the last segregated graduating class. Shirley moved to Kansas City, Missouri after graduation and lived with Grandparents Herschel & Beatrice Givens.
Shirley was the mother of two daughters, Cynthia, and Iley.
Shirley worked for several families in the Kansas City area. Working for the Hatfield’s, she became a part of their extended family having cared for multiple generations of their family.
Shirley joined Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ and worked on many committees including Sunday School, Pastor’s Aide Board and Founder’s Day Tea. She would often make and sell homemade rolls for church fundraisers. She loved sewing and making clothes for herself, her children, family members and others when needed. She stayed active with the Boonville community through her involvement and leadership with the Sumner School Alumni Kansas City Chapter.
She was a very kind, loving and compassionate person, always lending a helping hand to those in need. Shirley often opened her home to many including those moving from Boonville to Kansas City. Her greatest joy came in helping others.
She was proceeded in death by her grandparents, mother, two sisters, her daughter Cynthia, and several nieces and nephews.
Left to cherish her memories is daughter Iley, grandson Mercedes (Shayne), great grandchildren (Samone, Eden, Bentley) sisters (Virginia Council of Boonville, Veda Givens of Lee’s Summit, Pamela Givens-Dowe of Boonville) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family will always cherish Shirley’s words: God Bless You, I Love You!
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