Shirley Florence Brown, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 25, 2026.

Shirley was born on January 22, 1935, in Bushton, Kansas, to Carl “Charlie” and Edith Schwerdtfeger. She grew up in rural Kansas, where she learned early the importance of hard work, family, and caring for those around her.

After graduating from high school, Shirley spent time in Hutchinson, Kansas, where she met James Brown. Following a brief courtship, the two were married and began building a life together. She and James later moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where they raised their four children before settling in Kansas City North in 1975.

Shirley took great pride in making a loving home for her family. She was a talented seamstress who made many articles of clothing for her children. Her talent was such that they could spot something they liked in a store, and Shirley could often go home and recreate it herself.

As her children grew older, Shirley’s natural desire to care for others remained an important part of her life. She spent nearly a decade working in a nursing home as a medication technician.

Above all, Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. Through the years, her role grew from mother to grandmother and eventually great-grandmother, creating generations of memories and a legacy of love that will continue through those she leaves behind.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Carl “Charlie” and Edith Schwerdtfeger; her husband, James Brown; and her daughter, Rhonda Brown.

She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Robert “Bob” Brown, Joyce (Mark) Jansen, and Janice Langford; grandchildren, Ryan Brown, Alyson Brown, Nick Jansen, Matt Jansen, Beau Jansen, Jesse Langford, and Jacob Langford; great-grandchildren, Bryson Augestyn, Eli Jansen, Everett Jansen, Colin Langford, Evan Langford, Aiden Langford, and Theodore Langford; as well as extended family and friends.

A memorial gathering honoring Shirley’s life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Association in Shirley’s memory.