Ms. Janet A. Birckhead

Janet Adrienne Harris Birckhead was born on May 12, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the union of Gertrude (Daugherty) and Eldon Harris. Janet attended Annunciation Parish School and graduated from Central High School, and she attended Penn Valley Community College. She worked for many years at Southwestern Bell (now AT&T) and retired from the IRS. She married Charles (Chuck) Birckhead on August 11, 1998. Janet was and intelligent woman who know her own mind, wasn’t afraid to share it. She could be prickly, but those who know her well could attest to the deep love she had for her friends and family. An animal lover, there was rarely a time in her life when she didn’t have a dog or cat (or both), and at one point had a parakeet named Elvis. Her last spoiled rotten pet was her dog, Bella, whom she rescued when Bella was just a pup. Janet loved to read, every residence was full of books and her Kindle app groaned under the weight of her collection. She especially loved science fiction, fantasy, and horror, a love she passed on to her daughter. She loved to play bid whist and backgammon. Janet had a unique sense of style and refused to dress like an ‘old lady’. Janet didn’t know a stranger; going with her to the grocery store was like old home week, she knew everyone. She’d strike up a conversation with someone while waiting in line and come away knowing whatever was going on with that person. Janet was a character in the best sense of the word. Her sense of humor, insane texts, and loving presence will be greatly missed. Janet departed this life on July 17, 2024. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude Wells and Eldon Harris; siblings, Susan Harris, Edward Harris, and Michael Harris; and husband, Charles (Chuck) Birckhead. She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Edward Harris and Tara Harris, both of Kansas City, MO, her grandson; Nazareth Harris, Kansas City; sisters Carole Owens Franke, and Sharon Valleau; a host of nieces and nephews, and the Andrews family who considered her a beloved sister and aunt. A Memorial Mass will be held on Fri. July 26, 2024, 11am at St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish 1001 E. 52nd Street KCMO. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Janet A. Birckhead

May 12, 1952 - July 17, 2024