Geneva Marie Price

She was born December 31,1929 in Nowata Oklahoma to Daniel and Julia Beatrice (Bea) Shakespeare. Her sister Cleo Shakespeare was born in 1932. Geneva married Elmer Price in 1952 and had two children. In 1962 Geneva was diagnosed with breast cancer, a diagnosis that didn’t define her but inspired propelled her love of life, nature, family and the arts.

For 34 years, Geneva was an administrator and educator with the Kansas City Missouri Public School District. She created environments for children to have expansive learning experiences with art being an essential element.

A performing artist, Geneva acted in numerous theater productions in the Midwest. She was a featured vocalist/actress in "After Hours" on the City Stage at Union Station and she won a Best Cameo Actress Award in the Barn Players production of "Working." In 1980, on the Comstock Record label, Geneva recorded 2 songs, "A Touch of Love" and "Together Whatsoever" with one of the songs making it to the top 10 local playlist. She delivered music with grace, style, and feeling.

Geneva performed as a featured vocalist with the Kansas City Jazz Quintet, the Steve Miller KC Big Band and The Scamps. She is a founding member of the Wild Women of Kansas City and a cantor at Unity Temple on the Plaza for over 30 years.

Geneva provided outreach services for the Ford Motor Company Institute for Women at the American Jazz Museum. She recorded biographies of female artists and secured items for collections. Geneva has exhibited her original artwork at juried art shows.

A graduate of Lincoln High School, Avila University and the Kansas City Art Institute, Geneva was a renaissance woman, the person who could do ANYTHING. She was a joyful creative spirit that loved God above all. Her friends and family were her treasures.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, Bea and Daniel Shakespeare, former husband Elmer Price and her sister Cleo Shakespeare. Blessed by her presence in their lives she leaves son Ronald Price (Genia), daughter Jeannine Midgett (Larry), cousin Jean Crawford (Terry), grandchildren Nia Price (Waylon), Ronald Price (Dana), Brandon Price, Harrison Herndon (Hannah), Brian Walker (Conrad), Rose Holmgren (Aaron), 8 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, nieces Barbara Finch, Debbie McCoy-Brock (Tim), and nephew, Tim Finch. Special heart friends Lori Tucker, Millie Edwards, Duke Tufty, Sandra Campbell, Marva Brown and a host of loving friends.

Her celebration of life is Saturday February 25th, 2pm at Unity Temple on the Plaza. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Unity Temple on the Plaza or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed at mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. In Geneva’s words, Joy and Blessings to you!