Tena Glover

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Tena Gail Glover was born July 2, 1965 at the naval base in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of James A. Wilson, Sr. and Loretta (Pogue) Wilson. She entered into rest on December 31, 2020 in Kansas City, following an illness at the age of 55. 

Tena spent her entire adult life in education, specializing in Special Education. She began teaching in the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) in the fall of 2012 as a special education teacher in various positions and later as a special education process coordinator. 

In 2017, Tena accepted the position of KCPS District Transition Coordinator providing services for secondary students with IEP's/504 plans pursuing functional life skills after high school. 

 In this position, Tena ultimately found her true passion as she was tireless, persistent, and instrumental in forging new metro job opportunities for these students, District wide. She worked closely with students, school staff, families and various area agencies and businesses to jumpstart student employment opportunities even if an employment possibility was formidable at best. 

Tena also spearheaded multiple KCPS Student and Family Resource Fairs to the Community at large, providing much needed information. 

Through her relentless dedication, she was recognized through awards and presentations such as the Channel 4 'Pay It Forward' Award, (nomination by Area Agencies), Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education designation as a Missouri Transition Liaison, and the Missouri Rehabilitation Community Service Award. 

An incredibly knowledgeable woman, she never flaunted her great understanding and expertise in her vocation, but was always preparing to take on even more responsibilities by carefully planning to implement the KCPS Reverse Job Fair (student led fair to display specific skill sets, interviewing with potential community employers for job positions and Project HIRE (student full/part time integrated employment while learning successful work skills) until abruptly interrupted by COVID-19. 

Of all her accomplishments, Tena's most cherished accomplishment was that of her family, who she loved deeply. Tena is survived by two sons, Andrew Glover and wife, Miriam and Matthew Glover; three grandchildren, Jasmine, Isabella and Elias; her father, James Wilson, Sr.; three siblings, Tresa Copeland, James Wilson and Tammy Triplett and husband, Rob and eight nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Loretta.

VISITATION

Clark Funeral Home - Neosho
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
312 S. Wood St.
Neosho, Missouri 64850
Friends may call from 9 am until 7 pm.

SERVICE

Clark Chapel of Memories
Thursday, January 07, 2021
10:00 AM
312 S. Wood St.
Neosho, MO 64850

Interment will follow the New Salem Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Tena may be made to the Autism Society - Heartland, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850