Ms. Mary J. Mitchem-Bey

Mary J. Mitchem Bey, known lovingly as “Queen,” passed away at home on June 3rd, 2025. She was born on September 15th, 1957, to Amos and Bessie Mitchem in Kansas City, Kansas. She received her education in the Kansas City, Missouri school system, attending Central High School. Mary had her first child Adrian with Wilbert Walker Jr. Later, she married Michael Bey, and to their union, a daughter, Monique, was born. Mary was a hardworking woman who dedicated over 40 years of her life to the medical field. She spent 19 of those years working with HCA and later devoted 10 years to Just Schooling Adult Daycare, where her compassion and dedication touched the lives of many. She was caring and kind to the people she served, bringing laughter, joy, and wisdom to each person she encountered. This was her specialty. Mary was full of love and smiles, but she would also be brutally honest. Her saying was, “Don’t ask a question if you don’t want the truth.” Mary was an amazing cook who loved being in the kitchen. She took great pride in feeding those she loved, often preparing meals that became family traditions. She had a deep passion for fashion and shopping, always stepping out in style and elegance. She was outgoing, spontaneous, and lived life fully—whether it was an unplanned road trip, a family get-together, or a quick dash to the casino. She did everything her way. One of her favorite songs was “Do What You Want To Do” by Devin the Dude. And that’s exactly what Mary did—she lived life on her own terms. She stood by that message with pride, grace, and boldness. Mary was a powerhouse—a powerful and strong woman who carried herself with undeniable grace and elegance. She loved working in her yard and took Bid Whist card playing very seriously—she would be mad if you were her partner and didn’t know how to play! Mary also enjoyed her KFC and had a sweet tooth for ice cream and cookies. Most of all, she cherished time with her children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Despite her deep love for family and friends, the casino was her ultimate pastime. Mary was truly one of a kind. If you knew her and loved her, you were truly blessed. And if you ever talked to her on the phone, you know she always ended the call with her signature goodbye: “Holla!” Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Bessie Mitchem; her siblings, Carolyn Benton and Curtis Mitchem; and her nephews, Telle Benton, DarRon Mitchem, and Cortez Shyne. Queen leaves to cherish her loving memories her children: Adrian (Mia) Mitchem, affectionately known by her as “Stunner,” and her daughter Monique Bey-Berry; her grandchildren: Adrianne Johnson, Adrion Johnson, Adriont’e Mitchem, Myiah Berry (MJ), Adrian Mitchem Jr. (AJ), and Chauncey Berry IV (Scooter); her sisters: LaVerne S. Jones, Angela Mitchem, and Sheila Mitchem (Big Linda); along with aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and many loving relatives and special friends . Queen, you will always be a shining star in the sky and in our lives. Queen, you can never be replaced. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday June 14, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church 4301 Wabash Avenue KCMO 64130. Interment: Blue Ridge Lawn Cemetery. Visitation: 9-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Ms. Mary J. Mitchem-Bey

September 15, 1957 - June 3, 2025