Shirley Ann Woods (Knolley)

Shirley Ann Woods was born on October 9, 1945, in Shreveport, LA to Mary Helen Ray Knolley and Sam Knolley. Shirley gave her life to Christ at an early age at Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Shirley received her education in the Kansas City Missouri School District. She worked and retired from

Ford Motor Company in Claycomo after 30 years of service.

Her passion in life was advocating for children with special needs within the Kansas City Missouri School District. She sat on numerous boards city wide. She created her own Non- Profit Organization System of Care Parent Network. Where she advocated for thousands of families.

Shirley was the oldest of six siblings Sandra Hamilton, Phyllis Knolley, Jack Knolley, Eric Ragland, and Terry Ragland. She was married to Roger Woods Jr., and they had 2 children, Toni Williams and Roger Woods III (Vernell Woods). She leaves to cherish her memories of her 2 children, 2 siblings, her nieces and nephews and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, cousins, family and friends.

Shirley Ann Woods departed this life on May 5, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary and Sam Knolley, her husband Roger Woods Jr., her brothers Terry and Eric Ragland, and nephew Shawlothe Wright. Shirley loved to share all that she had with everyone she loved, and she was a mother to ALL.

Services will be held on Saturday May 17, 2025, visitation will be from 2 P.M. - 3 P.M. with services beginning at 3 P.M. at Golden Gate Funeral & Cremation Services, LLC 2800 East 18th St., Kansas City, Mo 64127.

Private Disposition