~ A time to be born~ Shirley Louise (McDonald) Thomas was born on July 31st, 1939, from the union of Jesse R. and Freddie Mae (Austin) McDonald in Kansas City, MO. She's preceded in death by her parents; son George Anthony Bryant; brothers Keith Eugene McDonald and William Stamps; paternal and maternal grandparents; great grandchild Sierra Robinson, great-great grandchild Noelani Robinson, nephew Jesse Lamont McDonald and son in law Terrance Spencer Buckman.

~ A time to plant~ Shirley started her educational journey in the Kansas City Missouri school district and ended at Lincoln College Preparatory High School. She attended Cosmetology School and became a licensed cosmetologist. Shirley's career path started as a nurse aide and then a private duty nurse at Trinity Lutheran Hospital and the Old Baptist Hospital of Kansas City, MO. After taking care of her father during his final days, she left the nursing world and went into customer service. Shirley worked as a cashier for McCrory's, Thriftway Grocery Store, Thriftway Food Store, the post office, cooking dinners from her home, a manager with Family Dollar, and even ventured into the restaurant business.  She later went into social work by becoming a Foster Care Partner and opened her home to many children for over 10 years.

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age growing up C.O.G.I.C. She was a member of Mount Ararat Baptist Church but later moved her membership with her husband to Grace Fellowship Church of Kansas City, KS, under the leadership of Pastor Greg Suttington, since May 2004, where she served as the District Secretary. Shirley was a faithful and devoted servant of God before the pandemic and the decline of her health. However, she served wherever needed. Shirley and Cookie loved to travel with the Church to the church conventions held in St. Louis, MO.

Shirley was very family oriented and all about keeping her family going.  When the opportunity arose, she opened her home to her grandson, Ananias Bryant full time since infancy, but will not have the opportunity to see him graduate from high school in May 2024.  If you knew her, you'd know she was a die-hard Chiefs fan, and you better not call her during Young & the Restless, Bold & the Beautiful or The Guiding Light. She would ignore you until they went off! Shirley loved family gatherings, hosting, cooking, and playing family games. She was truly the Matriarch of the McDonald family. She will be truly missed at family gatherings, as she has been called home. This will truly leave a void in our lives that will never be filled.

~ A time to die ~ God accepted His angel into his arms on Monday, October 30th, 2023, as he heard her cry for help. She went peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family.

~ A time to mourn~ Shirley leaves behind to cherish her memories, her devoted, loving husband for over 46 years, Curtis "Cookie" Thomas; grandson, Ananias Bryant; daughters, Jamesetta Woods (Sidney Jr) and Rita Bryant-Reliford (Roy) of Kansas City, MO; Teresa Thomas-Buckman of Lee's Summit, MO; Lenora Johnson (Bryant) of Kansas City, MO; son, Ananias Bryant of Denver, CO; daughter-in-law, Constance Bryant of Kansas City, MO; siblings, James McDonald (Sandy) of Denver, CO, Jesse L. McDonald of Kansas City, MO and Freddie Standifer of Kansas City, MO; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Wright and Jan McDonald both of Kansas City, MO; brother-in-law, Richard Thomas (Linda) of Omaha, NE; 23 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends Wanda Carruth and Penney Carter.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.