Jennifer Jan McFerrin

Jennifer J. (Riley) McFerrin, age 77, of Raytown, MO passed away on June 6th, 2026 in her home. Jennifer (Jenny to many) was born on September 7th, 1948 to Clarissa and Weldon Riley. She grew up primarily in the Ruskin area in Kansas City, MO. Her father was a Flying Tiger in the USAF during WWII and their young family lived in the Philippines for a short time. She graduated from Ruskin High School in 1966 and went on to Baker University to major in Art.

She married John Nielsen in 1967 and they had three children, who she stayed home to raise in Belton, MO. She went back to college in the early 1980’s and obtained a B.A. in English Literature and her teaching certification. She and John divorced in 1983, and Jennifer worked various jobs including with an insurance agency, as an editor for KCTV5 television station, a real estate agent, and a preschool teacher.

Jennifer married Ronald McFerrin in 1984. She became a grandma at age 44 and took great delight in that role just as she always had cherished being a mother.

Jennifer was exceptionally talented. She could draw, write, paint, and design & sew the most amazing children’s clothes - with a particular passion for creating exact replicas of Disney costumes.

Jennifer had exceptional taste and interests. She loved good literature, reading, art, history, fashion, period clothing, cooking, fine china & dishes, sewing, gardening, classic movies, and good music. She was an intellectual and was constantly seeking and absorbing new knowledge. She loved humor and her laughter and smile would light up a room. She was a proud Democrat and Liberal. She was preceded in death by her beloved cocker spaniel, Jemima, first husband, John Nielsen, Sr. and second husband, Ron McFerrin, brothers Dr. Terrence Riley and R. Andrew Riley, and her mother & father. She will be immeasurably missed and her absence will leave a deep void for so many. She is survived by her children ~ Heather Umbach, Hayley Monroe (James Monroe), and John Nielsen, Jr. (Kathy Nielsen); her grandchildren ~ Hayden Monroe (Meghan), Alexandra Umbach, Jamie Monroe, Hatty Monroe, Gabrielle Nielsen, Jasper Monroe, Marissa Nielsen, and John Nielsen III; and her great-grandchildren ~ Malcolm Monroe, Delaney Monroe, and Halle Monroe; her brother, Winston Riley, cousins, nieces & nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Lee’s Summit Christian Church on Saturday, August 8th, 2026 at 1:00pm, 800 NE Tudor Rd, Lees Summit, MO, 64086.

If so inclined, make donations in her name to any organization that is anti-maga.