Elaine Gaynelle Stevenson

Elaine was born to Bonita Moore and Edward Stevenson, on June 10, 1958 in Kansas City, MO.

Elaine was a loving and selfless mother, sister, aunt, and child care provider. Elaine made child care her profession, with an emphasis on infant care. Elaine worked at Bright Horizons at Research Medical Center as well as Country Club Christian Church. The folks at Country Club Christian Church called Elaine the “baby whisperer” because of her ability to calm any baby in seconds, despite failed attempts from other staff members and the child’s parents. Parents of the children Elaine cared for greatly appreciated her and found great comfort in knowing their children were in her hands. Elaine could connect with a child’s spirit in a way that no one else seemed to be able to. She will be dearly missed by all the children she cared for, and even more so by their parents, and her coworkers. Over her 40+ year career in child care, Elaine loved, nurtured, and protected 1000’s of children during their most vulnerable and precious age. She was truly an angel of God sent to look over the little ones with mercy and tenderness. Over her career Elaine became like family to many of the parents whose children she cared for, who will always remember her loving and caring spirit. Elaine was a living example that we could all use, of God's powerful love and enduring patience. Through caring for children for so many years she seemed to have perfected the art of mothering. Her mothering came out in all of her relationships. She was a good friend, known for her kindness, humor, and thoughtfulness. Elaine was sensitive to the ups and downs of what others were going through and helped others work through the issues of their days without taking things personally.

Elaine was a selfless, loving, patient and kind mother to her 3 children, Devin Handy, Michael Stevenson, and Mark Davis. Elaine overcame endless real life challenges for decades as she raised 3 boys by herself. She was a smart, strong, resilient and determined mother who saw to it that her children always had what they needed, even if she didn’t. Anyone who knew Elaine, knew that she smiled through everything. She pushed on through every problem, pain, obstacle, and illness with power and perseverance. She seemed almost inhumanely immune to self-pity and intolerant of demonstrating weakness or insecurity. A small frame she may have had, but anyone who knew her was very aware that inside that little frame was a powerful spirit and personality. No matter what life brought Elaine, she never gave up, she never relented, and she never stopped loving. Elaine would have insisted that we remember and emulate her strength and positivity during this time of reflection on her life.

Elaine was a long time member of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church where she nurtured her faith and found her church home. When she could be at Mass and church celebrations, she always stepped up to help and be of service to others. She made an annual donation of lunch on one of the days of the Christmas Basket Program and honored her Aunt Dolly by doing so. She counted on the prayers of the community to help her through her tough times and in thanksgiving for the blessings of her life.

Elaine Stevenson is preceded in death by her mother Bonita Moore and father Edward Stevenson, her beloved aunt Dolly Moore and sister, Layne Stevenson.

She is survived by her three loving sons, Devin Handy (Meagan), Michael Stevenson, and Mark Davis, grandson Khalib Handy, granddaughter Aniyaha Davis, brothers Lester Stevenson (Paulette), William Stevenson, cousin, Walter Jackson and a host of loving family and friends.

A Visitation for Elaine will be held Saturday December 31st at 10:00 AM at St. Therese Little Flower Parish (5814 Euclid Ave, Kansas City, MO) followed by at Funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Therese Little Flower Parish.