Mrs. Venora Isom

On April 9, 1925, Venora was born to Robert Grover and Beulah Youngblood in Coolidge, TX. She was the second of eight children – four girls and four boys. She gave her life to Christ at the age of 13 at a primitive Baptist Church in Texas. Venora, fondly called “Vee”, attended elementary school at Elm School, and graduated from high school in Coolidge, TX. She attended Sam Houston College in Austin, Texas and moved to Richmond, California and stayed for a short time. She then moved to Kansas City, Kansas with her family in 1945. In June1946, Venora met Wardell Isom, the love of her life, at a Louis Jordan concert at the Municipal Auditorium. After a short courting period of six months, and they married on December 24, 1946. Their marriage from the beginning was based on love for each other, faith, and a belief in God and prayer. They had shared values of mutual respect, communication, and good attitudes. From this marriage they raised three children: Brenda, Sharon, and Wardell Jr. Wardell and Venora were members of 8th Street Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas for 78 years. She was baptized, a second time by Rev I.H. Henderson. Venora’s faithful services included: Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, BTU, prayer meetings, president of the Mary Elizabeth Circle, Women’s Day Speaker and wherever she could assist and lend a hand. She loved visiting the sick and having prayer with them. Venora’s first job in Kansas City was as a domestic worker in a private home. She and her husband moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1951 from Kansas. In 1954, she began her real estate career working for Mid-Town Realty Company until 1959. Being a very ambitious woman and entrepreneur, Venora started her own day care and continued to sell real estate part-time for Gross & Hishaw Real Estate Company. She also sold properties for Frank Wilkins Real Estate Company, Edna Perry Real Estate and Dobi-ty Real Estate until retirement. Recognized for her achievements, Venora won a car for the Sales Person of the Year in 1969. Again, she won Sales Person of the Year in 1971, became widely known, and prospered in her real estate career for approximately 57 years. As one of a very few female African American real estate agents in Kansas City she continued to train and mentor other agents to advocate for African Americans in home ownership. Despite all of her professional responsibilities, Venora never lost sight of her home and Christian duties. She was a great wife, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and Girl Scout Den Mother. She loved sewing and preparing meals for her family and anyone who would come to her home. She made a positive impact on the lives on many. She loved going to church and fellowshipping with parishioners. As a centenarian, Venora departed this earthly life on Sunday, August 31, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Brenda Wilkes (John); and Sharon Isom both of Inglewood, California; son, Wardell Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri; granddaughter, Ferrari Singh (Satvir) of Fountain Valley, California; grandson, Brendan Wilkes Sr. (Shanell) of Riverside, California; two step grandsons, Ronald of Jonesville, South Carolina; and Keith of Inglewood, California; five great grandchildren, Ahriael; Brenae; Brendan Jr.; Seaghan; and Braelyn; nieces; nephews; and friends who were like family. She is survived by her last siblings, Lenora Smith of Kansas City, Kansas; and Billie Mills of Lathrop, California. Venora will be remembered for her unwavering love, kindness, and dedication to the well-being of others. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. An Angel in this life and the next. Funeral Services will be held on Monday September 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Eighth Street Baptist Church 1420 North 8th Street KCKS 66104. Interment: Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation: 10 – 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.

Mrs. Venora Isom

April 9, 1925 - August 31, 2025