MARY JEFFRIES

1940 - 2024

MARY JEFFRIES Mary Serene Jeffries, aged 84, Independence, MO, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4th, 2024, at Blue Hills Rest Home. A visitation to pay respects will be held at Royer's New Salem Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Graveside services to follow on Thursday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m., Salem Cemetery, adjacent to the Blue Hills Baptist Church at E 24 Highway & Blue Mills Road. All who knew her are welcome. "Mary Serene" as she was always known by, was born on March 20th, 1940, to Edward E. and Edith Mae Clemens. She grew up in the Eastern Jackson County area, primarily in the Ripley Junction valley and on the Shrout Brothers' Dairy Farm property. As she became a Jeffries, the family home-place overlooking the Atherton bottoms, also became very special to her. She lived her life with simplistic, Christian, and "Do The Right Thing" morals and values. She had a reputation for kindness, love of family, generosity, and strong work ethic. She graduated from Fort Osage High School in 1957 and was recommended to professional environments through her study and results in the secretarial vocation program offered at the time. It is also where she met her husband, Gene, to whom she was married in 1961, and that marriage lasted (63) years. After graduation, she went to work for the State of Missouri in its downtown Kansas City office building. She loved the city. She took a break from working in 1964, after giving birth to her first son. She remained out of the work force for (14) years as her focus became starting and maintaining a family. In 1978, she went back to work as a lunch-room cashier at Elm Grove Elementary in the Fort Osage School District, where she remained for the next (24) years. Her reputation and character were widely known throughout the district, and never a student went hungry, even if the lunch was purchased from her own pocket. She had a genuine love for kids and all the friends of her own three sons. She was saved by Grace in the New Salem Baptist Church, where she attended as a child and teenager. It was also where she led her future husband to Christ and eventually raised her family in the church. She also served as the financial secretary for more than a decade. New Salem was always special to her. She lived a good and meaningful life, making friends and acquaintances everywhere she went-at work, at church, and in numerous activities. She lost her best friend, when her husband Gene, passed in May 2024. She leaves behind three sons, Jeff, Jody (Beth), and Jason (Whitney), all local. Grandchildren Kelsey (Palmer), Kaley, Jackson, Ella, Adleigh, and Robin Brooks. She also leaves behind one Great Grandchild, her Lil Miss, Ameliah Palmer. Most notable, Mary Serene was a Mom and Grandma first. She was extraordinary at it, and it was her most important objective. She was kind, caring, and courageous. A great friend to all. Many Thanks to Beth Jeffries and the staff at KC Hospice and Palliative Care, and to Marie Dunham and the staff at Blue Hills Rest Home, who treated her with dignity and respect throughout. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to KC Hospice and Palliative Care, 9001 State Line Rd., Suite 300, KCMO, 64114. kchospice.org