Shirley Jean Davis

Shirley Jean Davis, 79, of Independence, MO, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026 at The Groves Nursing Facility in Independence.

Born on October 25, 1946, to Thomas Leroy Roberts and wife, Mary Frances Chafin Roberts, in Kansas City, MO. The family later moved to a small farm in Independence, where Shirley grew up. She attended Courtney Elementary School for 8 years and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1964.

Shirley's working days included childcare for the Child Abuse Prevention Assn, serving as receptionist and office manager for the Independence Cab Co, Mid Continent Public Library, CBY Corp/Cline Trucking. She concluded her career working at a beverage company in Fairmount, MO.

She was deeply committed to serving others and volunteered her time with Independence Head Start, MCI Hospital, and The Salvation Army. Shirley was also a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, where she held several leadership positions.

Shirley loved cooking, crafting, and attending to her many plants at home. Above all, she loved serving the Lord. She was a devoted member of Grace Church, where she also helped with accounting and planning activities for the children.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael Roberts (wife Alma) of Sugar Creek, MO., and Matthew Cox (girlfriend Carol) of Independence, MO.; granddaughter Hope Cox and grandson Joel Carr; Sister Veronica Joyce Wyckoff (husband Rick) of Peculiar, MO., brother Tom Roberts (wife Dorothy) of Princeton, MO; nieces Julie Wyckoff Sloan (husband Rob), Jenny Wyckoff Davis (husband Mike), Melanie Stone Kitchen (husband Charlie), Debbie Goodman (husband Shelby); great nephews Damion Roberts, Tyler and Logan Davis, Peyton Sloan (wife Thaira), and Colten Kitchen; great nieces Danielle Sloan, Shelby Kitchen Doerfler (husband Brady), and Elissa Kitchen; and four great-great nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Norman Cox and Ron Davis, grandson Michael Roberts II, as well as her brother Dennis Roberts, and nephew Tommie Roberts.

A visitation will be held at Grace Church, located at 1915 N Liberty St, Independence, MO, 64050, on February 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Following the visitation, a memorial service will take place at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on February 21, 2026.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made directly to Grace Church Youth Group Fund located at 1915 N Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050.