Our beloved Mother, Shell Ann Everett, was called to her eternal home December 28, 2020 after nearly 95 years of a life well-lived. Starting her life on the farm and following high school graduation in Calhoun, Missouri, she quickly acclimated to city life after moving to Kansas City. Having strong family ties meant weekly travel back and forth for many years, spending time with her Mom, Dad, and brothers, followed by regular attendance at Calhoun High School games to see Darrell play basketball. There were always large family gatherings where bluegrass instruments came out and provided the music for all to enjoy, with Tony and Darrell playing guitar and banjo. Shell married Elmer Edward Everett in December 1950 before he left for military duty during the Korea Conflict. She worked in the embroidery industry off and on (when she wanted extra spending money for big items) for much of her life, although Elmer would say her working just messed up his taxes. Thanks in large part to Elmer’s hard work, Shell was able to spend most of her time being the mother to the family that came along. She excelled in this role, and even helped out other youth as she saw the need. Shell and Elmer were a very caring and giving couple; Becky found the right sign for them that said “If you don’t believe in angels, then you haven’t met my parents”. This created a large circle of good friends and acquaintances for the family, and deep value for the morals they passed on to their brood of four. Family life for the Everett bunch meant vacations usually attending Bluegrass Festivals all over the state – sometimes camping in tents, some cabins, or maybe just short travel from the Mills or Durham farms in Calhoun or Warsaw. One summer even included a month-long Silver Dollar City stay while Darrell played Bluegrass with the Ferguson Sisters (Sandy Bates and Cecilia McMillen) – we girls thought that was the best, treated like staff for the entire time, and having the Ferguson brood to roam with. Church was regularly attended by the Everett family, whether First United Methodist or Mt. Washington United Methodist or Oakland United Methodist, there was a deep love of God and desire to do good and love others instilled in the girls. Following Elmer’s retirement, he and Shell worked together on Rochester Germicide route, which they both enjoyed. Not needing many hours to work the route meant free time for their other interests – continued trips to Calhoun and Warsaw, as well as occasional trips with Elmer’s Aunt Cricket around the state and to California. They also made sure to find time for the grandbabies that came along – starting with some childcare and ending with attendance at the various games and events for the grandkids – whether it was baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, Cub Scouts, or just the Grandparent Days at school, they managed to make it for many activities. This meant that Shell made up with the kids’ friends just like they were hers, to the enjoyment of all the generations. Losing Elmer in 2005 and Jesse in 2006 dealt Shell some of her hardest blows, but she was able to return to good spirits and continue to enjoy time with her kids and their kids. She was blessed with a family she could be proud of – in large part because of the time and effort she and Elmer put into their children and grandchildren. Much like her own mother, Shell maintained a clear mind all of her days – continuing to be more concerned for others than for herself. She was a true inspiration for the meaning of unconditional love, and created many strong bonds on Earth that will always be remembered.
Shell is survived by her children: Darrell Everett, Becky Lamison, Karin Everett, Jackie Dorman; her sister Marie Knoles; grandchildren: Elizabeth Farmer, Jeff Everett, Justin Lamison, James Lamison, Brandon Zipper, Nick Dorman, Tori Dorman, Becca Dorman, and David Norman.
Shell is preceded in death by her husband Elmer; parents: James Edgar & Bessie (Shaeffer) Mills; her brothers Harold, Tony, and Gordon; and grandson Jesse Lamison.
Private services were held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Shangri-La Rehab Center, Attn: Activities Fund 930 NE Duncan Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home; Independence, MO 816-796-8600