Dr. Reaner Shannon

Obituary Reaner was born on October 6, 1936 in Solgohachia (Morrilton), Arkansas, to the union of Hosea D. Gunnels, Sr/ and Blanchia (Hardy) Gunnels. She was born into a large, Christian family with parents that provided love and support in pursuing the best in life. Her parents and two brothers, Alvin and Hosea Jr. preceded her in death. Three other siblings died as infants: Calvin, Johnny Louise and James Carnell. The family moved to Kansas City when Reaner was six years old and her fondest conversations were reminiscing her memories of Arkansas and stories, she heard others tell Shortly after arriving in Kansas City, the family joined Mt Pleasant Baptist Church where Reaner accepted Christ and was baptized by Pastor J.E. Lloyd. She later changed her membership to Progressive Baptist Church, and in 1990 she joined Paseo Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until her passing. Reaner lived a productive Christian life, she served in numerous leadership and Christian education capacities in her church and around the country, and she never failed to express her belief in Jesus Christ to those she encountered. Reaner met her beloved husband, Henry, while they were students and co-workers at General Hospital. They were married on March 20, 1960 and to this union one daughter, Pamela Renee Shannon, was born. Henry and Pam were her pride and joy. Reaner kept a watchful eye on Henry and took care of his needs, and she looked forward to her daily talks with Pam and cherished the closeness they shared. Love for family was evident in Reaner's life. She took upon herself the task of researching her family history; even traveling to Washington D.C. to the National Archives on several occasions. She compiled this information in a book that continued to be updated and presented to the family at biannual family reunions. She looked forward to sharing The Word with her daughter, siblings, niecies and nephew in a weekly family Bible Study on Zoom. Her participation in family holiday gatherings, yearly "Sisters Day" celebrations, and the occasional "Sisters Weekend Trips" were special events that she cherished as quality time spent with family. Reaner was a person of great academic abilities. She attended Kansas City public schools and graduated with honors from Lincoln High School in 1955. She continued her education by attending Kansas City Junior College, Kansas City University, Park College and University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC). She received Mast.er of Science degrees in Medical Technology and Health Science, Adult Education and Continuing Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Health Care Administration. Reaner's passion was in health care throughout. her educational career. As a result, she was selected to several positions of leadership and instruction in the UMKC School of Medicine. She served as Associate Professor of Minority Affairs, in the UMKC School of Medicine from 1986 - 2000. Reaner was named Associate Dean in the Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity in the UMK.C School of Medicine and served from 2000 until she retired in 2008. Her status remained as Associate Professor Emeritus until her passing. One of the most. notable accomplishments of her tenure at UMKC was the "Summer Scholars" program which she founded and continues to support aspiring students today. This program prepares high school students interested in health careers for the rigorous and challenging curriculum associated. Reaner partnered her scholastic achievements with a heart, of giving. She set, out. to help the students, the community, and anyone she met with the desire to grow by sponsoring grants and programs to develop opportunities for advancement. After retiring, Reaner continued her work with UMKC where she and her husband, Hem·y, sponsored an Endowment and Lectureship which focuses on the disparities in health care for min01ities. Her desire was to educated minorities bringing awareness to good health practices. Her community outreach and service best describe her commitment; Reaner served as Vice Chair of the Advisory Commission on the Governor's Commission for Environmental Literacy, Board of Trustees for Raytown Educational Foundation, Board of Directors for the Edgar Snow Foundation, Board of Directors for the Black Health Care Coalition, and the UMKC Retiree Board of Directors. Professionally, she was a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologist, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), The Generalist in Medical Education and the American Association Collegiate Register at and Admission Officers (AACRAO), and Girls and Women, Inc. Reaner was a Member of the Urban League, Midtown Kiwanis, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Reaner's recognition extends locally, nationally, and internationally for her outstanding job performance, service to the community and achievements. Reaner loved golf and played the game whenever she could with Henry and with her "golf ladies", and occasionally with Pam. She enjoyed watching golf tournaments and going to Top Golf to practice her strokes. On July 13, 2022, the sun set on Reaner's wonderful life. Reaner leaves to mourn her passing, her devoted husband of 62 years, Henry, of the home; daughter, Pamela Renee Shannon of Dallas, Texas; five sisters, Millie Grace Morris of Atlanta, GA, Christine Pouncil, Macy Miller (Ronald), Gladys Burtin (Frederick), and Ester Jackson, all of Kansas City, MO; one brother, Willie (Bernie Dean) Gunnels of Kansas City, MO; three sisters-in-law; Finis Jones of Ardmore, OK, Lavern Gunnels of Grandview, MO, Cewilla Shannon of Texarkana, AR, Phyllis Shannon of Albuquerque, NM, and Gloria Brooks of Kansas City, MO; two aunts-in law, Ermon Tuggle of Oklahoma City, OK and Claudia Haywood of Los Angeles, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 21, 2022, 11:00am at Paseo Baptist Church 2501 Paseo Blvd. KCMO. Interment Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. 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Dr. Reaner Shannon

October 6, 1936 - July 13, 2022