Myrna D. Towson

Myrna D. Towson-Riley, surrounded by her family's love, departed quietly on the evening of March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday.

On December 9, 1941, Myrna was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Jerome Towson and Bertha Branch. Her parents Jerome and Bertha, brother Ricky, daughter Rhonda Riley, and son Dennis Riley all precede her.

Her oldest son Derrick Riley, youngest daughter Wende’ Seals (Stephen Seals, Sr.), her brother Thomas Crouthers, (7) grandchildren, (4) great-grandchildren, and a large circle of extended friends and family will miss Myrna, Mom, Granny, and GG.

Myrna grew up in Bronx, New York where she attended Catholic school and excelled exceptionally resulting in her surpassing a grade, and receiving her diploma early. Soon after graduating, Myrna became a buyer for Neiman Marcus. While at Neiman‘s Myrna met and grew to know Richard Riley, who was also a buyer. After getting married, they had four kids. In 1969, they relocated to Overland Park, Kansas.

Once settled in Overland Park, Myrna noticed a lack of unity and diversity, which is something she thrived on. Being so, Myrna bonded with 12 other mothers within the community in 1971 to form a Jack and Jill branch called the JoMo’s of Overland Park, Kansas where Myrna was elected vice president. The group was established to provide the small number of African American children in Overland Park a space to interact on a regular basis. A year later the group was chartered as a new Chapter of Jack and Jill and officially voted in as a chapter at the 20th National Convention in July 1973. The JoMo chapter is one of seventeen chapters in the Central Region.

In 2007, Myrna retired from Missouri Gas Energy (MGE). Myrna enjoyed retirement and started devoting all her time and efforts to her church and family. She was a devoted and faithful member of the Sunshine District Association's State and Area Field, Senior Women's Missionary Union, The Delightful Group, and Women of Faith Evangelism Ministries of Greater Mount Zion. Myrna was a Sunday School teacher as well. By another name, she was the "Card Whisperer;” if she caught you sneezing, she would send you a card. Myrna was a strong, fashionable, gorgeous, and exceptional carrot cake maker who valued God and her family above all else. It was truly priceless the way she adored her family. Before asking how you were doing, Myrna would inquire about your well-being, demonstrating her concern and care for others that much exceeded her health issues. A generous person who is always willing to lend you a helping hand. She was always willing to be a crusader for those around her, especially if your feelings were hurt. It made us laugh, but it was always appreciated when she asked if it was needed. It was her Momma Bear, Sister Bear, Granny Bear, G.G. Bear, and coming out, saying, "Don't mess with my family!"

A mother who leads and governs her family and their offspring. The matriarch of the family. She was always known for having little trouble striking up a casual conversation, even with total strangers, her sense of humor was delightful, and her smile was contagious. She rose to fame as a well-known shero by leading a fierce, caring life free of complaints and gaining the respect and affection of many. Every day, she served as a living example of tenacity and inspiration for life, despite her multiple afflictions. Myrna's unshakable strength, faith, and love are still changing lives today. Her infectious delight was evident in her many smiles, jokes, laughter, and the common phrases she always used "to be truthful or to be honest", which will always be treasured. Just hours before her death, she was the epitome of that million-dollar smile. What a powerful, steadfastly loving soul you are!

You will be truly missed! We love you, infinitely!