Shirley Charlene "Charlene" McGarvey

Shirley Charlene (Smith)McGarvey, age 91, passed away peacefully at Kansas City Hospice House on January 28, 2026.

"Charlene" was born on December 29, 1934, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Charles M. Smith and Opal (Clark) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Melissa E. Smith and her brother Michael A. Smith and the "love of her life" husband, Robert H. McGarvey.

She is survived by her stepson, Robert H. McGarvey II (Harriet) cousins and many dearly loved friends whom she kept in contact with via phone, especially in the last few years as her health failed. She will be remembered for her southern Arkansas accent, her kindness to others and her sometimes surprisingly sassy sense of humor.

Charlene moved to Kansas City in the early 60's and was hired by Southwestern Bell Telephone administrative offices. Her career spanned over 25 years there. She married Bob on May 17, 1985 and, as they were both retired, spent time traveling and leaving winter in Kansas City for Brownsville, Texas every year until his death in April of 1993.

She was a voracious reader and was a long time member of the North Kansas City Library's book club; a long standing member of Central Presbyterian Church and volunteered for many charities in her lifetime. Recently, the highlight of her week was playing Rumicube or cards with her special group of friends at the Gardens Apartments in North Kansas City. Those friends also shared a fondness for the Hallmark Channel. She never missed a new Hallmark Movie, and re-watching old ones was fine with her.

It was her wish that there will be no service or memorial. If you would like to honor her life, please consider a donation to either Harvesters @give.harvestors.org or to NorthCare Hospice House @KCHospice.org