Sharynne Runnels

Sharynne Theretha Thomas was born on Tuesday, July 29th, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri to Fred and Sarah Thomas. Sharynne was the only child born to this union. She was later adopted by Miller S. Runnels when her mother remarried, and her name was changed to Sharynne T. Runnels. Miller Runnels was the father Sharynne knew and loved.

Sharynne was baptized at Second Baptist Church at 8 years old after joining, with her family, during Vacation Bible School. She attended the Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1965. She trained as a cheerleader and a majorette during high school. Sharynne was an active student, becoming a member of the French Club, the Engineers Club, the Olympians, the Luminary Staff, C.O.E., and the Central High School Pep Squad. After high school she attended Penn Valley Community College, studying Data Processing and Computer Programming.

Sharynne married, with four children; Darrin, Darrik (who preceded her in death - 2011), Debra, and Tony, coming from that union.

Sharynne was the first African-American supervisor at Kansas City Power and Light and was instrumental in helping to found their computer programming department. For most of her career, she worked in the Information Technology Departments at AT&T, ADP, and the Internal Revenue Service, finally retiring from the Kansas City, Missouri Main Post Office.

Sharynne loved to dance and sing along to her favorite songs by Frankie Beverly and Maze, The Ojays and The Commodores. Loving “Family Time” she often played the family games Uno and Connect Four. But she loved, even more, to listen to Bible scriptures and prayers, playing them continuously. She was happiest to just have the bible read to her daily. Her favorite scriptures were Psalm 27, Psalm 91, and Psalm 119.

Left to celebrate her memory are two sons, Darrin Savage of Kansas City, MO and Tony Savage of Dallas, GA; one daughter Debra (Daniel) Hunter of Kennesaw, GA; a Daughter-in-law Angel Savage of Kansas City, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Carl Runnels of San Diego, CA, William Runnels of Kansas City, MO, and Isaiah Thomas; three sisters, Toni Runnels and Tina Runnels of Kansas City, MO, and Janelle (Derrick) Hill of Austin, TX. Several near and dear close friends; Shalonda Washington, Patricia Few, Noelle Brummall, and Frankie Cole. As well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Services will be 10AM, Saturday, February 25 at Second Baptist Church, 3620 E. 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64128.

Memorial Services will be 10AM, Saturday, February 25 at Second Baptist Church, 3620 E. 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64128.