Mrs. Maria Gonzales

Maria Elena Gonzales, 65, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on August 16, 2025. She was born on April 12, 1960, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Lee Esther and Lillard Gonzales. Maria attended Kansas City Public Schools and later earned her cosmetology license from Lee Crawford School of Beauty. She built a career as a hairstylist, working in salons across Kansas City and later Beverly Hills, California. Maria found joy in her craft and loved bringing confidence and happiness to the many clients she served. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was deeply involved in her church community, Metropolitan Spiritual Church, where she later answered her calling to become an ordained minister. It was within this faith community that she met the love of her life, John Thompson. On June 4, 1983, they were united in marriage, and their union was blessed with one child. Together, they shared 38 years filled with love, devotion, and faith. In her later years, she joined Grace Fellowship Church and remained very active until her health began to decline. Maria will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and generosity. She loved entertaining, cooking elaborate meals, singing, and sharing stories that filled her home with laughter. She had a playful spirit—always ready to crack a joke, share a little gossip, or enjoy a good drink with her loved ones. Maria leaves behind a legacy of faith, joy, creativity, and togetherness that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her husband John; her son, Juan Carlos Thompson; her beloved grandchildren, Jade; and Lemuel Thompson; and her cherished siblings, Lionel Buchanan; Rhonda Buchanan; Carmen Walker; Carlos Gonzales; Mario Gonzales; and Kimberly Clark. She also leaves behind her loyal dogs, Bitchetta; and Thunder; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Esther; and Lillard Gonzales; nephews Samuel Gonzales; Niko Gonzales; Ronnell Buchanan; niece, Elaysha Gilliam; and cousin, Loure Words-Robinson. Funeral Services will be held on Friday August 29, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at Metropolitan Spiritual Church 1231 Garfield KCMO 64127. Private Disposition. Visitation:11 – 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mrs. Maria Gonzales

April 12, 1960 - August 16, 2025