Shirley Ann Looney

Forever in Our Hearts- Shirley Ann Looney

“To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under heaven!” Book of Ecclesiastes

“A time to be born.” - Ecclesiastes 3:2 Shirley Ann Looney was born on September 11, 1936. She was the oldest of nine children born to Walter Mathis and Nadine Dial at the original General Hospital of Kansas City, Missouri.  She was a mother figure to all of her siblings - a strong disciplinarian; both stern and loving to all of her siblings who will miss her tremendously.

She was preceded in death by her father, husbands - Floyd Looney and Phillip Herriford, sister - Frances O’Neil, brother - Robert Mathis, daughters - Doris Mathis and Pat Collier West and grandsons - Ja’Von Looney, Antonio Collier and James Austin Turner.

“When I was a child.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11  Shirley Ann Looney was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri School System attending W.W. Yates, R.T. Coles and George Washington Carver Schools. She also belonged to the Gazelles Social Club sponsoring community events, social causes and entertaining socials.

She has fond memories with her siblings growing up on 12th Street and the Historic 18th & Vine District. She leaves to celebrate her life her siblings; Walter Mathis(Norma), Beverly Young, Donna White (Clarence), Jerome Norris (Theresa), Alyce Mitchell (Willie) and Angel Witherspoon. Over the years, she has been their “boss”, confidant, shoulder to lean on, second mother and the best big sister one could ask for.

“Whosoever believeth.” - John 3:16 Ms. Looney accepted Christ and grew in stature and wisdom of the Lord at an early age. Receiving her Christian training, baptism and experiences at Haven of Rest Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Whatever you do, do it with all your heart.” - Colossians 3:23 Ms. Looney loved to entertain often hosting family meetings, dinners, holidays gatherings and cookouts at her home.  She had a zest for life and music, which she enjoyed listening to “the Blues” attending events and concerts featuring blues artists almost weekly.

Ms. Looney was also an avid traveler and looked forward to vacations.  Ms. Looney loved to travel, after visiting a location, she would often return to take her grandchildren. She would rent travel and tour busses to take her grandchildren on summer vacations.

Ms. Looney’s favorite pastime was shopping - she knew where you could find all sales and deals.  Ms. Looney loved arts and crafts, making jewelry, some of the many dolls she owns, and had the best toys for all of the kids to play with, still today! She had a zest for life and music, which she enjoyed listening to “the Blues.” She attended events and concerts featuring blues artists almost weekly with family and friends.

“Her children rise and call her blessed.” – Proverbs 31:28  Ms Looney worked in the professional photography industry editing prints for commercial photographers at Associated Photographers.  Although she has worked several jobs including Kiddi Dome Child Care Center and Lee Walls, her enjoyment came from being an entrepreneur. Ms. Looney owned many businesses including a Candy and Thrift Store at 39th & Prospect, and Candy and Restaurant Store at 39th & Paseo.  Generations have visited Ms. Looney’s to purchase food, candy and soda and brought their kids back to meet her as she was an important part of their childhood in the neighborhood.

Ms. Looney especially loved being with family.  She was the caregiver for her 102 year old mother and daughter in her home until her homegoing.  Additionally, she cared for her first-born daughter – Doris Mathis through her illness and beloved grandson Austin Turner.

“A time to die.” - Ecclesiastes 3:2 “One glad morning, when this life is over, I’ll fly away!” On Sunday, May 19, 2019 - the angel of Grace and Mercy called Ms. Looney home; to a life in the everlasting arms of her Jesus Christ. She was surrounded by family.

“I will not leave you comfortless.” - John:18 Ms. Looney leaves to cherish her memory, her mother Doris Nadine Whitmire who she cared for dearly, children: Rayford Mathis, Roselyn Turner, Florence Looney, Floyd E. Looney, Donna Looney, Mark Looney (Tenesia) and Toni Herriford; grandchildren: Latyona Luster (Edward), Shontrice Patillo (Michael); Consuella Cooley, Alfred Garlington (Tateasheia), Laquita Looney, Roneus Looney, Rae Danielle Mathis, Jamesha Looney, Tysheka Harrison, Mark Looney, Kia Rambo, Silky Carter, Jerrold Barrett, Jacoby Sanders, Michael Sanders, Sherrie Walker (Charles), Stephanie West (Kevin), Gerrie Collier, Rolanda West, Jimmie Bullard (Kevin) and Opal Dixon.

A host of Great-Grand Children and Great-Great Grand Children all of which love her dearly and called her blessed!  She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her!