Lee Ann Perez was a war time baby; her Father was serving in France on the day of her birth September 2, 1944. “Stars and Stripes,” the military newspaper noted that, Signal Corps Lieutenant Lawrence Henson had better never forget the date owing to the coincidence that Lee Ann’s Mother Bessie Henson and Grandmother Viola Henson birthdates were on this same date in September.
Lee Ann when reminiscing of her childhood always told stories about her Dad coming home from the war, what it was like growing up in Grandview, Missouri. Her exploits and interactions with her sister Sue Ellen Ledford and brother Russell Henson. She was saddened by the tragic death of her Mother due to depression. A tragedy that later would befall her brother Russell.
Lee Ann told many stories of her youth and teen years. She had many photos of herself and cousin Terry Evans playing together at a young age. The last photo she received before her passing was from Terry, It was actually two pictures one of Terry and Lee Ann as toddlers walking towards the camera and the other waking away. It is inscribed “I was with you then and I am with you now.” She loved it.
She told of the worry she had, having to go home and face her Father after having pulled a speaker away from its mooring at a drive in Theater. “It was an accident,” she pleaded. On another occasion being somewhat intoxicated Lawrence picked her up at the police station. The next morning very few words needed to be said, the Father Daughter relationship and intuition was strong, it never happened again.
Lee Ann attended Grandview high school her artistic talents were manifest as well as her scholastic achievement. Her friends Jerry Sage, Jim Blankenship and others referred to her as “Brain” but more often “Bone” owing to her size. She spent many a weekend night with them and friends singing folks songs under a bridge as Jim strummed away on his guitar. She and the gang graduated in 1962. She attended and graduated from the Kansas City Art institute with degrees in painting and photography. Later she obtained a teaching certificate.
Lee Ann married Wallace LaFond in 1965 and her son Peter LaFond was born later that year. In 1970 her daughter Bonnie LaFond was born.
Wally LaFond and Lee Ann were married for 13 years before parting ways. He and his wife Paula have been steady fixtures in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Sometimes a blended family is difficult, but all make it work, sharing holidays and events together.
Lee Ann found the love of her life while riding the Troost Bus in 1980., Javier M Perez Jr was the driver, she the rider. Love blossomed. They’ve been together ever since.
Lee Ann left this earthly realm on May 27, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. It would be wrong to say that Lee Ann lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Lee Ann stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Lee Ann. She took the opportunity to pass along yet another lesson to us.
Lee Ann had an exceptionally great curiosity about the world and about issues of justice and racism and about the creativity of people everywhere. She read the monthly National Geographic from cover to cover, she read the Smithsonian Magazine, and many great books of fiction both contemporary and classic. Her curiosity education and reading made her conversant on almost any topic. Lee Ann was a generous woman. Even towards her last weeks with us Lee Ann made donations to charities and causes that she felt were important. She never stopped giving, learning or being inquisitive about the world or loving beauty.
Lee Ann was a wife and mother first and an artist second.
Hers’ was a life filled with art and creativity. She taught art for many years for the Kansas City School District. There she urged children to use their imagination and see their world in a new light. Her students adored her. Her talent knew no bounds. Lee Ann was the driving force of recruiting a band of students, recommended by their art teachers, to paint beautiful historic murals along Cesar Chavez BLVD in KCMO. Lee Ann was also very proud of the beautiful home she created. It was featured in the KC STAR and American Bungalow magazine. Full of color and folk art. Her home, her personal style and her art were second to none. Lee Ann was selected by President George W. Bush to design an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree.
Lee Ann is survived by her husband Javier Perez Jr of the home. Her children Peter and Bonnie LaFond of Kansas City. Stepson Timothy Perez of Kansas City. Her three most beloved grandsons, Ollie, Montgomery and Langston LaFond of Kansas City. Her sister Sue Ellen Ledford and her partner Charlie Saucier of Louisiana. Daughter in law Leslie LaFond. A host of cousins, friends, neighbors and family are also mourning our shared loss.
Our family thanks the many doctors and those who cared for her at KU Medical and Cancer Center as well as St Luke’s Hospice.
Lee Ann will be remembered at a Catholic Mass attended by the family and her remains will be buried at the foot of her Father’s grave in Smithville, Missouri. A wonderful photo essay of her life may be viewed at http://www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com/ we encourage you to please do so.
It is often said that, one never forgets the loss of a Loved one, but that time helps one accept. Will there ever be a time when the Communion of our Hearts and Souls, the remembrance of an event, a time, a look, a song, a smile will not bring a tear to my eye, a smile to my face, a boisterous laugh or the knowing peace and love of your embrace? Never MY Love!
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