Athana Whitmire

Athana Leondra Whitmire was born on December 12, 1958 to Ollie E. Davis & Leon Taylor in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the youngest of four children born to Ollie E. Davis. With the passing of her mother at four years of age, Athana was raised by her Uncle Joseph E. Hayes and Aunt Velma E. Hayes. There was no distinction between Aunt and Uncle; it was always Mom and Dad, her loving and devoted parents.

Athana was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri where she excelled in the Kansas City Public School System.  She attended Milton Moore Elementary School, Central Junior High School, and graduated from Central High School in 1977. Athana furthered her pursuit in education by attending Penn Valley Community College.

Athana was a high-spirited woman and would strike up a conversation with anyone that she encountered.  She never met a stranger and loved to make others feel warm whenever she was around. You were certain to leave her presence feeling encouraged, uplifted, or gaining a new song to include in your musical playlist. Athana was known for her extensive knowledge in every musical genre and will show you the latest dance in her own way.

Athana was able to capitalize on her personality and natural charisma professionally as well. Her charm made her a natural asset for any company that engaged with the public.  She worked for United Missouri Bank, American Family Insurance, and the Kansas City MO School district for many years. She also sold life insurance for American National, Monumental and Washington National life insurance companies. Her ambitions led her into entrepreneurship where she operated and managed a successful childcare business. Through her childcare business, Athana impacted many children lives and their families. She considered all of them as her extended grandkids and family members. She managed to touch others in a special and genuine way of honesty and love.

Athana was united in marriage to Edward “Earl” Whitmire on October 20, 2007, in Kansas City, Missouri. The two of them enjoyed one another immensely and loved to travel to the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, or just about any place with a cruise port or a “Miami Vice”. The two of them were always on the move and enjoying life.

Athana departed this life on February 8, 2022 and gained her heavenly wings. Athana was preceded in death by her parents; Ollie E. Davis & Leon Taylor; Joseph & Velma Hayes; husband; Earl Whitmire; sisters; Lorraine Davis, Imogene Jackson. She leaves to cherish her memory two son’s Joseph E. Byers (Kenneshea) & Ryan J. Taylor-Byers, three grandchildren; Joi Byers, Kennedy Byers, Ryan J. Taylor Jr, sister; Donna Blue (Glen), brother; Willie Boone; brother-in-law; Tommy Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, and many extended grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren with all her heart as she was affectionately known as “Mimi” by all of them. No matter if it was a Monopoly game, attending a dance performance, going swimming, or going to the gym to shoot baskets she was always there with a special touch of “Mimi”.