Jolene Renee Scully

Jolene was born on September 5, 1957, in Independence, MO to R. Harold Scully and Lois (Gardner) Scully. At the age of 16, she graduated with the Van Horn High School Class of 1974. She had a passion for academia which earned her many degrees: BA in Education from the University of Missouri Kansas City; MS in Education from the University of Kansas; MS and PhD in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. Following the completion of her PhD, she did her post-doctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jolene spent her career as an educator, spending time in elementary education, intermediate gifted education, reading specialization, and as a professor of Psychology. Over her career she worked in many districts and institutions, including William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, and the North Kansas City School District where she retired from.

In her personal life, Jolene spent her time as an amateur gourmet cook, Girl Scout troop leader, and regular Bunko player. She also enjoyed reading, listening to music, and watching movie musicals such as Sound of Music and My Fair Lady.

Jolene was preceded in death by her parents, R. Harold Scully in 2009, and Lois (Gardner) Scully in 2022. She is survived by her two daughters, Ashley Piane (Charles) of Independence, MO, and Taylor Benter (Michael) of Blue Springs, MO; two granddaughters, Amber Lowe and Kira Benter of Blue Springs, MO; a brother, Alan Scully (Shirley) of Summerville, SC; two nieces, Keri Goodfriend (Jason) of Aldie, VA, and Erin Holm (Andrew) of Charlotte, NC; as well as three great-nieces and one great-nephew.

Many special thanks to close friend Michael Hallauer who has been a constant companion to Jolene for many years and went above and beyond with his kindness during her decline.

A visitation will be held for family and friends on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 1-2pm at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133.

In honor of Jolene’s favorite color, and the color of the Alzheimer’s Association, the family invites attendees to wear something purple to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.