Jennifer E. Baston

Jennifer was born on January 10, 1979, in Kansas City, KS. to her parents Larry and Susan Kelley. She grew up in Kansas City KS. the first 10 years of her life, then the family moved to Missouri settling in Grandview MO. She graduated from Grandview High School in 1997 and continued her education at Avila University for her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She would later attend UMKC for her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Jennifer worked many years as a social worker and loved her jobs including DFS, Crittenton Children’s Center, Signature Psychiatric Hospital and a few others. She has always had a kind heart and loved helping people.

Jennifer had so many friends. If you had the pleasure of knowing her, you knew she loved the Gilmore Girls, the movie Hocus Pocus, Betty Boop, anything Christmas, Whitney Houston, garage sales, thrifting, getting her nails done, and her blanket that she lovingly named HERB. Jennifer was a kind soul. She would do anything for anyone, even if she didn’t have the means to do it. She loved people, loved socializing, loved her family, but most of all she loved her children. They were her pride and joy.

Jennifer passed away on July 18, 2024, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. She was 45 years old when she passed.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her grandparents, Henry L. Kelley II and Catherine L. Kelley, James W. Stoddard and Betty T. Stoddard; her father Henry L. Kelley III (Larry); her step-fathers; Wendell Robinson and William Smith; aunts; Janice L. Haefele, and Carol L. Brown; and uncle, David Kelley.

Jennifer is survived by her mother, Susan A. Robinson; her seven children, Aleeya R. Payne (husband Melvin Payne), Derrick S. Baston Jr. (Mykinzie Beeley), Amoni A. Baston, Eboni A. Baston (Lamar Wooton), Darrien L. Oliver, Drake A. Briggs, Gabreyela J. Briggs; three grandchildren, Zuri E. Sheppard, Zyaire S. Baston and Princeton L. Baston. Jennifer was also survived by her sister, Kristina L. Fugitt (husband Timothy Fugitt); and brother, Scott L. Kelley (Kayla Hollensworth); her boyfriend, Tony Birch; her aunt; Debbie Mincey, and uncle; Harvey West; her nieces, Emmalyse, Madilyn, Jenelle, and Serenity; and nephews Jack, David, MJ, and Marquis; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

“May the memories of you give us peace comfort and strength”