Lorena L Bestor

Lorena Bestor, 83, passed away on December 30, 2015. She is the daughter of the late Claud D. and Lela Whitted of Marietta, SC. Lorena spent most of her life in Kansas City, Missouri where she worked for Stinson, Mag, and Fizzell law firm for over 25 years. She loved Kansas City and became involved with numerous groups and philanthropic organizations. She was beloved by many friends and family members who valued her breathtaking smile, enthusiasm, and joy for living.

She was self-reliant, highly independent, and held an adventurous spirit and optimism as she approached everything in her life. She did little half-heartedly, immersing herself in travel, reading, cooking, and various arts. She was accomplished in her needlework, spent countless years perfecting her craft, and completed many commissioned pieces of art that are enjoyed locally and throughout the country. She found immense beauty in nature, and her gardening of dogwoods, azaleas, hostas, and orchids gave her great happiness. Her garden and home design reflected her love of all things Chinese. Her travel was extensive, and with the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, she enjoyed trips to China and trips to Germany with her late husband, John. She was a voracious learner and read widely about Chinese history, the American West, Revolutionary and the Civil Wars, and the World Wars. She believed in sharing with others, and her philanthropic work touched numerous organizations including the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City, and the Save the Franklin Battlefield Inc.

She is survived by her sister, Claudia Dale Dockins of Greenville, SC; four nieces, Diane Ricciardi (Paul) of Seneca, SC, Karen Barnett and Julie Youmans of Charlotte, NC: Gwen Galloway (Wes) of Lancaster, SC; step-son, John K. Bestor, Jr. (Roberta) of Overland Park, KS; step-daughter Susan Copeland (Les) of Phoenix, Arizona, grand nieces and nephews Sophia and Daniel Youmans of Charlotte, NC and Ashley and Joe Galloway of Lancaster, SC; and 4 step-grandchildren and 9 step great grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, John K. Bestor of Kansas City, MO; her first husband, Carlos Henson of Florien, Louisiana; her two brothers, Emanuel G. Whitted and Dewey D. Whitted of Marietta, SC; brothers-in-law, Roy Dockins of Greenville and Bill Barnett of Travelers Rest; and her nephew Michael Youmans of Charlotte, NC.

At her request, Lorena will be buried at a private family ceremony at Mountain View Memorial Park in Travelers Rest, SC. The date will be determined at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lorena’s honor to the St. Luke’s Hospice House at 3516 Summit Street in Kansas City, MO 64111. Family and friends are grateful for the kindness and care that were given to Lorena during her time at St. Luke’s. Online condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, 816-753-6200.