Norma Jean Grainger

1935 - 2025

Norma Jean (Kennedy) Grainger, 90, entered her eternal rest peacefully at home on Sunday, December 28, 2025. She was born March 6, 1935, in Weston, Missouri, to Berta Emaline (Whiteaker) Kennedy and Elroy Edward Kennedy. Her earthly journey has now ended; her heavenly spirit is free to soar.

She began her lifelong walk with the Lord as a member of the Leeton, Missouri, Baptist Church, where she spent many formative years. As a young girl, she was allowed to choose the hymns for the Sunday service. In high school, she sang in the choir and later in a trio with Dorothy Mohler and Nina Faye Cox, who went on to compete in local contests and perform at many area functions. Her love of music, especially bright, jazzy Southern gospel, was lifelong. Psalm 63:7, "Because you have been my help, in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy," spoke to this bliss she found in music.

Norma Jean graduated from Leeton High School in 1953 and married Bobbie Russel Grainger in 1954. After Bobbie's Army enlistment, the young couple returned to Missouri to farm. Norma Jean, the young farm wife, knew hard work firsthand, having grown up in the waning years of the depression. Raising first a son, then a daughter, being a hardworking farmer's wife, using a wringer washer, sewing all her daughter's clothes, cooking every meal, and stretching every dollar-all while growing lovely flowers-were coupled with living through hard seasons on a farm. Her strong faith walked hand in hand with the sunshine and shadows.

A delightful sense of humor, ready smile, and kind heart were Norma Jean's hallmarks, especially when loving and supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She often sent "just thinking of you" notes, in her beautiful cursive, to friends going through tough seasons. She was regularly the picture of grace, no more so than when accepting condolences for first her son, then her husband.

These kindly attributes complemented her backbone of steel and undeniable integrity. These character traits came to the attention of Missouri Governor Christopher Bond in the 1980s, when he appointed Norma Jean as the first public member of the Missouri Dental Board, a regulatory group. Over her lifetime, she was a member of the Mid-Missouri Artists, a group that showcased local talent; the Republican Women's Club; and the WD-40s, a spirited women's group who met weekly for coffee, outings, and fellowship.

Norma Jean Grainger is survived by one daughter, Pamela Tilson (Bob); four much-loved grandchildren, Emily (Drew), Andy (Elisabeth), Wade (Olivia), and Nathan (Alexus); seven great-grandchildren; sister, Jody Shepard; daughter-in-law, Donna Grainger; sister-in-law, Shirley See; and several nieces and nephews.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 67 years, Bobbie Russel Grainger; son, Gene Grainger; and brothers-in-law, Marlan Shepard and Don See.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Leeton Baptist Church or The Salvation Army. A service for Norma Jean Grainger will be held Saturday, January 10, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home, 617 North Maguire Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the service at 3:00 p.m. Burial was private.