Evonne Renae Shelly

Evonne “Renae” Shelly, 52, passed away on April 12, 2021 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on April 25, 1968 in Kansas City, Missouri to Arbra Lee Jr. and Annie B. Lee . She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age in 1976 at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church under Revered T.B. Baker.Her faith was a monumental part of her life as she always trusted in God and advised others to do the same. During her time in the church she was a junior usher, a choir member, directed special church events,  and eventually became the president of the Vision of Praise Choir at Memorial Church International.

She graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri. After high school she: attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication in 1990. She later received her Bachelor of Arts in Education Middle School Language Arts in 2009 at UMKC in Kansas City, Missouri; and her Masters in Teaching and Learning in 2012 at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. Evonne joined the Army Reserves in 1985 and served for 20 years. During her time she was the recipient of the CSM Excellence Award. She achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class.

She began work for the Kansas City Public School District as a Teacher, and later an Administrator,  where she worked for 31 years. She married in 1997 and from this union a beautiful daughter was born. She was involved in Harvesters as a volunteer, a basketball coach, a devoted Chiefs fan, walking, traveling and being with family. Renae will be remembered most by family and friends for her big smile, her outgoing nature and her unwavering faith in God. Renae was a strong woman of faith, family, and she loved her daughter ,Lanae, who she lovingly called her “Pooh Pooh”. She also loved going to the movies and watching one of her favorite TV series “Scandal”. She was a prayer warrior and a pillar of strength for her family, friends and every person she came in contact with. She enjoyed serving others, loved singing in the choir, and when she would sing “Something About God’s Grace”, Heaven would light up.

She is survived by her father: Arbra Lee Jr. (Alma), mother: Annie B. Lee, daughter: Lanae Reon Shelly, brother: Michael Ray Lee, nieces: Michaela and Malon Lee, nephew: Christian Lee, Godson: Jabari Banks, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and church family.

"In lieu of flowers, the family asks if you could send donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation."

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