Evelyn Kingore

(From Parker Mortuary)

Evelyn S. Kingore was born on October 20, 1950 to George and Mildred Grindstaff in Joplin, Missouri. She passed away on July 20, 2024 after a brief illness. 

Evelyn was above all else an amazing mother, grandma and cook. Her passion for cooking started when her grandmother would whip up an entire fried chicken lunch at the drop of a hat. As an only child she didn’t have many to cook for until she married a man with two kids and an enormous family. She believed feeding the family was spreading love and that’s just what she did.

Evelyn had a childhood full of strong women, including her grandmother Lena Beal, the first woman mayor of Joplin whom she was very proud. This started Evelyn’s strong will and love of politics.

Evelyn worked as a dental assistant for 50 years. This fueled her passion for healthy gums and teeth as well as her passion for getting to know and helping as many people in the community as she could. She did this by volunteering at the community dental clinics and helping to make all the mouth guards for JHS and MSSU football players.

Evelyn had a long list of hobbies including knitting, sewing, decorating, and gardening. She truly loved mowing the lawn on a hot summer day and finishing with an iced tea. In retirement it was hard to find her because she bought a convertible and took to the road to sing along with The Beatles. She never missed a child or grandchild’s activity making it to hundreds of football, baseball and soccer games as well as dance and piano recitals.

In her own words, Evelyn was the anchor to the family. She was always there as a shoulder to cry on, to give advice, to bake a cake, or to provide a good laugh. Evelyn lived by example for her children and grandchildren. Her quick wit, devotion, wicked sarcasm, and love of storytelling (especially gossip) and genuine care for anyone in her world will be missed by all who have known her.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents. Evelyn is survived by her husband of 40 years Joesph, daughter Holly Hasty (Leif) granddaughter Owynn; daughter Heather Brooks (Kane) grandchildren Elizabeth Gonzales (John), Lane Galbraith (Julia) and Luke Galbraith; daughter (last but not least) Tosha Lathrom (Mark) grandchildren Shelby, Riley and Linden Lathrom; and 6 great grand children.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Joplin Humane society or Wildcat Park.

A Celebration of Life with inurnment of her ashes will be Friday, August 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Osborne Memorial Cemetery with family and friends sharing memories.