Shirley Jean Fillyaw (Ware)

Shirley Jean Fillyaw, lovingly known as “Grandma,” was born on July 27, 1936, in Star City, Arkansas, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Ware. She peacefully departed this life on August 22, 2025, in Grandview, Missouri, at the age of 89, in the care of her daughter, Vickie Fillyaw, and her granddaughters, Shalisa Mines and Marissa Fillyaw. Before being in their care, she was lovingly cared for by her sons, Doug and Cecil Fillyaw, who made sure she had everything she needed, from getting her to doctor’s appointments to taking her to the grocery store. In the final stage of her life, several immediate family members stepped up to make sure she was cared for around the clock, providing her with comfort, companionship, and love until her passing.

Shirley was the widow of Melvin A. Fillyaw (1924–1986), and together they built a large, loving family. She was the proud mother of eleven children: Marvin L. Fillyaw (1951–2010), Glenn Fillyaw, Ronald A. Fillyaw, Deborah D. Fillyaw, Julia “Annette” Fillyaw (1957–2006), Linda G. Fillyaw, Vickie H. Fillyaw, Douglas Fillyaw, Gloria D. Fillyaw, Cecil W. Fillyaw, and Shakina Fillyaw.

She also leaves behind a host of grandchildren who loved her dearly, including Victoria Banks, LaShunda Fillyaw-Harris, Shalisa Mines, Vernard Powell, Ronica Banks, Anita Kendrick, Sherrice Fillyaw, Vincent Powell, Josiah Lewis, Krystal L. Wadlington, William Fillyaw, Jamie Lynn Lewis, Saybree Fillyaw, LaShaunda Fillyaw, William Graves, Markus Fillyaw, Marcus Fillyaw, Aziya Rash, Marissa Fillyaw, Destinee Lawton, and Julia Lawton. She was also blessed with too many great-grandchildren to count.

She is also survived by her loving siblings, Dorothy Jean Maxwell, Reola Ann Stewart, Leroy Ware, and Charles Edward Ware, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin A. Fillyaw (1924–1986); her son, Marvin L. Fillyaw (1951–2010); her daughter, Julia “Annette” Fillyaw (1957–2006); and her grandson, Carl Edwards Mines Jr. (“Freddie”) (1975–1995).

Shirley spent most of her life in Topeka, Kansas, where she created a home filled with love, laughter, and family. Though she wasn’t an every-Sunday churchgoer, she was a woman who believed in God’s grace. She enjoyed watching football and basketball, cheering for her favorite teams, and, above all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. In her final days, Shirley’s family never left her side. There was always someone with her, watching over her, soothing her, and reminding her how deeply she was loved. In her last few days, her son Doug and her daughter Shakina came to visit bringing comfort and laughter that brightened her spirit. Grandma was holding on, waiting to hear from her oldest daughter, Debbie. About thirty minutes after that phone call, she took her final breaths at 3:15 p.m., surrounded by her daughters Glo and Linda, her granddaughters Shalisa and Marissa, with her daughter Vickie and son Cecil close by. The room was filled with laughter, memories, and gentle words—a true reflection of the love she gave and received throughout her life.

A Celebration of Life was held on October 11, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas, where family and friends came together to honor her memory. Shirley Jean Fillyaw will be remembered as loving, funny, sometimes stubborn, but always full of heart. She raised strong, caring children and grandchildren who, in turn, cared for her. Her legacy of love will continue to live on in each of them. We miss her every day. She was loved, and she will never be forgotten.