Ms. Lynn D. Williams

Lynn Diane Williams’ story began in Kansas City, Missouri, where she was born on August 15, 1958, at General Hospital. From the very beginning, Lynn was known to carry a strong spirit, a determined heart, and a light that naturally drew people to her. On January 21, 2026, she passed peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by love, closing a life story filled with resilience, joy, service, and fierce dedication to family and community. Lynn was the second-born daughter of Sherlene Spears and Lee Williams and was also lovingly fathered by Paige Spears. She grew up in a lively home with her sisters Michelle Landis (deceased), Carmella Morris, and Debra Williams. She also shared lifelong connections with siblings outside the home; Lawrence Williams, Lee Williams (deceased), and Robbie Williams. At the center of Lynn’s world was her beloved and only daughter, Shereésa Dory Marie Williams of Kansas City, Missouri, who was her greatest source of pride and love. Her childhood and school years were rooted in faith, structure, and community. She attended Annunciation Catholic School from kindergarten through fourth grade, Ashland Elementary for fifth grade, and St. Joseph Catholic School for sixth through eighth grades. She later attended Bishop Hogan High School before graduating from East High School in 1976. During these years, her love for movement, rhythm, and performance blossomed. She mastered fire baton twirling, played wind instruments, and she danced both competitively and recreationally throughout her life; exhibiting early signs of confidence and passion that would define her. Lynn was a woman who did not just enter spaces, she changed them. She was one of the first female carpenters to work with JE Dunn Construction, breaking barriers with skill, determination, and courage. She helped build bridges along Interstate 435 in Shawnee, Kansas; physical structures that stand today as quiet reminders of her strength and craftsmanship. She went on to build a long and respected career as a steelworker with Reynolds Metal and Ball Container, retiring after years of dedicated work. Her leadership extended beyond the job site as an active union member with the United Steelworkers of America Local 8907 in Kansas City, Missouri, where she served as Civil Rights Chairperson, standing firmly for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for others. Service was simply part of who Lynn was. She volunteered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Missy’s Boutique at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, giving comfort and support to others during vulnerable moments. At St. Monica Catholic Church, she faithfully served on the Sunday Counting Teams, always willing to give her time where it was needed most. She also challenged herself personally, earning a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo; proof that she believed growth never had an age limit. In 2006, Lynn faced one of the greatest battles of her life when she was diagnosed with Lymphoma. True to who she had always been, she met the fight with courage, faith, and an unbreakable will to keep moving forward. Through treatment, recovery, and uncertainty, she never allowed the illness to define her. Instead, she let it strengthen her compassion, deepen her purpose, and sharpen her gratitude for every day she was given. Lynn emerged victorious, remaining in remission for nearly 19 years, a living testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of hope. Her journey inspired those around her to believe in strength beyond circumstance and to keep fighting, no matter what the odds. Life, for Lynn, was meant to be lived fully and joyfully. She loved the water and was an avid swimmer. She loved the open road, whether on a motorcycle or behind the wheel; and found happiness taking road trips and simply driving with music playing. Dancing remained one of her greatest loves throughout her life, and in recent years she found community and joy as a proud member of the Kansas City Elite 2 Steppers. More than her accomplishments, Lynn will be remembered for her presence; strong, vibrant, protective, joyful, and deeply loving. She showed others how to stand tall, work hard, laugh often, and never stop moving to the rhythm of their own life. Lynn leaves the following family members to cherish her memory: her only daughter, Shereésa Williams; sisters, Carmella Morris (Clifford), Debra Williams, and Robbie Williams; brother, Lawrence Williams; niece, LaTosha Morris (Ahmad); great-niece, Ava Vernon; nephew, Dominic Williams, and a host of other loving extended family members and great friends. Lynn’s love, strength, and legacy will live on through her family, friends, church family, union family, and the many lives she touched simply by being herself. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church 1616 Paseo Blvd, KCMO 64108. Private Disposition. Family Hour: 9 - 10:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Ms. Lynn D. Williams

August 15, 1958 - January 21, 2026