Jessalene M. Gray (Shumaker)

Jessalene Gray, 77, of Independence, MO, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, at the chapel with burial to follow at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens, Independence, MO. Jessalene was born June 19, 1937 in Clinton, MO as one of three children to Oda Garland and Florence Viola (Ground) Shumaker. After high school she married and raised her three children before becoming a Teacher’s Aid for Kansas City Deaf Blind Program for over 20 years. At one time, she was awarded Teacher of the Year. She was a member of the God of Holiness Church of NE Kansas City. She is remembered as being the best mom, a strong woman, and for her strong belief in keeping family together. Jessalene is loved and will be missed. She is survived by daughter, Mary Mowell-Dale and husband Brandon; stepgrandchildren, Brianna and Brandon Dale II all of Independence, MO; sisters, Shirley Scott of Garden City, MO and Cathy Onwiler of Lee’s Summit, MO; and her adopted daughter, Rhonda Chamberlain. She was preceded in death by sons, Joey and Mike, and her husband, Joe Ed Gray. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)