Ms. Cheryl C. Workcuff Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Cheryl C. “Cookie” Workcuff On April 22, 1946, Cheryl Christine Workcuff was lovingly welcomed into the world at Lexington, Missouri by her parents Leota “Puddin’” Garth and Clarence Workcuff Sr. Cheryl (Cookie) began her education at the segregated Douglass Elementary School; then later she attended Central Elementary, Lexington Junior and Senior High Schools, graduating in 1964. Fun-loving and coordinated, Cookie played volleyball and basketball in high school, and continued to love dancing and skating. In 1964, she gave birth to her only child, Kevin Lynn Workcuff, and moved to Kansas City. In Kansas City, Cookie first worked at the I.R.S., then the Post Office. She left there on disability and later obtained a license in cosmetology at the House of Heavilin. For years, Cookie worked at Mutual Benefit Life, which would later become Fortis Life Insurance Company, from which she retired after 25 years of service. She then started a home baking business, in which she lived up to her namesake and baked cookies, cakes, and pies. Also following retirement, she was an on-site property manager for Houston Enterprises for 20 years, where she maintained a snack shop, selling her baked goods and other novelties. Alongside that she provided part-time office services for Linda Cooper and then became the part-time office manager in the office of Dr. Lester Blue (One of the few eminent black psychologists in Missouri). Her engaging wit and pleasant countenance often lifted the spirits of patients when they entered the doctor’s office. Cookie was known to be a phenomenal baker and cook. She got her start baking cookies and cupcakes, as Den Mother for Kevin’s Cub Scout Troop. Her love of cooking, feeding people and cooking copious amounts of food was passed down from her mother and grandmother, but originated with her grandfather, John Oliver. He cooked huge Sunday dinners for the neighborhood. Kevin said that his mother continued that tradition in her later years insisting that for Thanksgiving, they would cook a 20 pound turkey, homemade dressing, sides, and desserts, for a small group of family and friends and whoever else might show up for the holiday feast. Listening to live music was a lifelong passion of hers. Being an extrovert, Cookie could talk to anyone. She personally knew and associated with local bands like Oasis, the James Ward Band, JJ and his band. The manager of the Blue Room in the historic Vine district even gave her VIP treatment when she went to see a performance. She was also blessed to have a relative and friend in Monk institute recipient jazz singer Lisa Henry. Ms. Henry has been to Russia and the White House on several occasions. Cookie, having amassed loads of wisdom from generations of strong women, was often viewed as a matriarchal figure; she was always befriended by younger women. Being always positive and open minded, she shared wise-counsel, an empathetic ear, and continued to dream throughout life, even during her trials and tribulations. She also would invite her friends and family to her home for cookies, milk, coffee and/or wine to console, encourage, and laugh with them. Cookie valued family and maintained close family connections; in addition, she unified both sides of her family and invited her friends into her family, until they became a cohesive unit. Cookie was extraordinarily kind and generous, especially sharing her ear, love, and food when her friends were in need. In the last years of his life, Cookie reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Wayne Seals until his homecoming in 2022. Cheryl Christine “Cookie” Workcuff peacefully passed from this world on February 28, 2024, at home. She was predeceased by her parents, Leota “Puddin” Garth and Clarence Workcuff, Sr.; a brother, Clarence “Rudy” Workcuff, Jr.; and her grandparents, John and Hazel Oliver. Cookie’s love, joy, wit, laughter, and intellect will be sorely missed by her son, Kevin Lynn Workcuff of Kansas City; a sister, Clara Workcuff of Marshall, MO; siblings, Gail and Galen Workcuff of Kansas City; a nephew, Jerome Conley of Lexington, MO; cousins, Gary Maltbia of Kansas City, Bettie Flowers of Detroit, MI, Donna Taylor of Lexington, MO, John D, Linda, Willie Smith and Doris Graham of Higginsville, MO, Brenda, Devin, Andrea Haynes and Pam Graham of Olathe, KS; and a host of beloved relatives and dear friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 16, 2024, 11:00am at Second Baptist Church. Visitation from 10am-11am at the church. Interment Lexington Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 6:00pm-8 :00p.m. at Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Cheryl C. Workcuff

April 22, 1946 - February 28, 2024