Shirley Kay Marks

Shirley Kay Marks passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at her home. She was born December 23, 1955, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Fred Lee Marks, Sr., and Ruby Elizabeth Marks.

Shirley Kay never married but had two sons. She was special but, our mother didn’t treat her special. She was made to go to church, do chores, attend school, cook, wash clothes, and clean house.

There were thirteen children, and when she got into trouble, punishment was inflicted on her like the other twelve siblings, whether it was a belt, switch, or whatever was in Mom’s hands.

Shirley Kay was baptized at the Second Metropolitan Baptist Church by the late Rev. Clarence E. Taylor, Sr. She was an active, faithful member all of her life, where she attended Sunday school and served on the usher board alongside side her sisters. 

In her own quiet time, she loved to praise the Lord. During church service, she would clap her hands, stand, and wave her arms. Shirley loved her church family, and they loved her, where she was always greeted with a “Hello Shirley”, a handshake or a hug.

Shirley knew all of her siblings, birthdates and ages, as well as her nieces and nephews. Affectionately known as: Aunt Kay, Kay, Aunt Shirley or Aunt Shirley Kay, she was loved and respected by all. 

Shirley Kay loved to see the family gather for birthdays, holidays, and family reunions. She would sit and watch all the children playing, which brought her a lot of joy. When a baby was born and came home from the hospital, it was placed in her arms or on her lap, as she loved babies. Shirley Kay baby sat her nieces and nephews and had a special bond with them all, which created a lot of memories for her. 

Shirley Kay wore her red lipstick and loved her purses and bags. Sometimes we would ask her "Where are you going with all that stuff?" She would just laugh.

Shirley Kay loved her sons, granddaughter, and a great-grandson Roman, who was the apple of her eye. 

Shirley Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Fred L. Marks, Sr., and Ruby E. Marks; brothers, Harold R. Holmes Jr., Fred L. Marks Jr., Elder Richard E. Marks, Sr., Ronald G. Marks, Sr., and sister, Zelma L. Marks.

Shirley Kay is survived by her sons, Gary Danny Marks and Mark Lee Marks; her granddaughter, Kiara Marks; her great-grandson, Roman; her sisters, Beverly Mitchell, Carol Brown, Ruth Easterwood, Alice Spears; her brothers, Arthur Marks (Joyce), Robert Marks (Sheila), Phillip Marks; and uncle, Stewart M. Spencer. Sister- in- laws: Linda Marks, Karen Marks. Shirley will be missed by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends; Carisa Henderson and Mary Williams. 

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