Thelma Brown Byers, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished member of the Jewish community, passed away on Nov. 18, 2023, at the age of 95.
Born on Dec. 11, 1927, to her adoring parents Katie and Harry Brown and brother Bud, Thelma lived a life filled with love, compassion and dedication to her family and friends.
A lifelong Kansas City resident, Thelma attended J.C. Nichols Elementary School, Southwest High School and the University of Wisconsin. She married the love of her life, Paul Howard Byers, in 1947 at Oakwood Country Club. They were married for 53 years before his death on May 17, 2000. They felt fortunate to spend many winters together in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they enjoyed sunshine, golf, cards and friends.
Thelma was involved in the Kansas City community. She taught English to resettled Russian immigrants and volunteered for PTAs, Girl Scouts, as class Room Mother and many other activities with her three daughters. She was a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, Oakwood Country Club, National Council of Jewish Women, and Hadassah.
Thelma was admired for her kindness, positive outlook, love of life and devotion to her family. She is survived by her three daughters, Ester (Chuck) Udell, Nancy (Dan) Levine, and Katie (Don) Levine; six amazing grandchildren, Jeffrey (Farrah) Udell, Andrew Udell, Michelle Levine, Bradley Levine, Ally Levine, and Stephanie Levine; four wonderful great-grandchildren, devoted nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law Reta Byers Hans.
The family wishes to acknowledge and express their gratitude to the staff at Mission Chateau Memory Care and Residential Hospice for their tremendous support and excellent caregiving. A private family service and burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah or the charity of your choice.
