Shirley Ann Jones

Shirley Ann Jones, 90, peacefully passed away on October 4, 2022. She was born on July 7, 1932 south of Warrensburg on her family's farm. Shirley was the daughter of John K. and Golda (Perry) Marr. She attended Hickory Grove Grade School and later graduated from College High School in 1949. Shirley married Kenneth Jones on January 15, 1951. They began their married life traveling on the professional baseball circuit during the summers and living in Warrensburg during the winters. Upon Kenny's retirement from baseball in 1958, they owned and operated one of the first barbecue restaurants in Warrensburg, Ken's BQ.
Shirley worked at the Johnson County Recorder's Office and Johnson County Title Company. She was the deputy county clerk of Voter Registration for 18 years. Shirley was well-known for her service in the community. She was a champion for the disadvantaged and lived her life caring for others. Shirley volunteered at the Western Missouri Medical Center Gift Shop, worked with hospice, and delivered meals with Meals on Wheels. Shirley was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and was secretary for the Salvation Army for 25 years. She worked tirelessly for Special Olympics starting in 1991. She supported and walked in the Relay for Life. She was a Missouri Merit Mother of the Year in 1991. She was a secretary for the local Business and Professional Women's organization. Throughout her life her service to others was prominent and was very important to her.
Her dedication to her church was evident throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church. She taught Sunday school and Bible school, was a camp counselor, and worked on numerous church committees. In 2000, Shirley was ordained to ministry for the church. Shirley joined the Clown Ministry of Mid Mo to bring joy and laughter to others.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She took great pride in her family and their accomplishments. Holidays and time spent at the Lake of the Ozarks created special treasured memories. Family and friends alike were blessed to have Shirley in their lives. She was truly loved and her kind and caring heart will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
Shirley is survived by four children, Kenneth Jones and wife, Karen, of Warrensburg, Cynthia Jones of Warrensburg, Steven Jones of Lee's Summit, and Randy Jones and his wife, Jeanie, of Warrensburg; three grandsons, Tim Alten and his wife, Ericka, Columbia, MO, Cody Allen and his wife, Rachel, Columbia, and Brett Jones of Warrensburg; six great-grandchildren, Donavyn, Jorja and Harper Allen, Savannah and Hendrix Alten and Isabella Jones.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, and her parents. She was the last surviving child of John K. and Golda Marr's nine children. She was the youngest of seven brothers and one sister. Her brothers, Galen, John (Jack), Rolla, Frank, Allen, Luther, Arthur, and sister, Golda Gauchet preceded her in death.
A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21 at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11:00 with Kevin Mannering presiding. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Marr, Ed Gauchet, John Marr, Bruce Marr, Coy Jones, and Wendell Davis.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Community of Christ Church or the Salvation Army in Shirley's memory and can be left in care of the funeral home.