Mrs. Ludora Veronica Preciphs, 86, of Kansas City, Missouri, died on May 20, 2018. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 13, 1932 to Garmer and Dora Darden. Everyone who knew Ludora recognized her unwavering commitment to education, the United Methodist Church, and friends and family both near and far. She graduated from Clark College, now Clark-Atlanta University, where she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She taught at the preschool, kindergarten, and primary school levels in Texas, Georgia, and Missouri. She was active in professional organizations, including the National Association for the Education for Young Children, as well as numerous church-based groups.
Three years after the U.S. government created Project Head Start to serve the needs of preschoolers from low-income families, Ludora accepted a position in 1968 with the program through the Kansas City, Missouri School District. Serving “the babies” was a passion that inspired others and earned their respect over decades of hard work and love for community. She stood ready to help with prayer, support for the ill and bereaved, and shared wisdom. She also never failed to remind others “to use common sense,” often followed by an understanding and occasionally mischievous smile.
Ludora was a talented musician, having played the piano and organ from youth at Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta and, later, other congregations. This gift was her ministry, along with her compassion and dedication to every community where she resided with her late husband, Reverend John L. Preciphs, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her daughter, Joi Preciphs, of Washington, D.C., as well as a host of family and friends who will miss this remarkable, faithful, and loving woman greatly.
Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. on Thurs, May 24 at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood, Kansas City, MO. A funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 25 at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1834 Woodland Ave. Kansas City, MO. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, 816-753-6200.
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