Eleanor “Ellie” Slawson Randazzo Bryan, 80 of Etterville, Mo., went to be with the lord Friday, September 20, 2024, at University Hospital, Columbia, Mo., surrounded by her family.  Ellie was born in Jefferson City on May 29, 1944, and was the second youngest of eight brothers and sisters. She grew up in Jefferson City and because of her circumstances was adopted by a loving family when she was 10.  She was a 1962 graduate of Jefferson City High School and then attended and graduated from Cosmetology school in Jefferson City.  Ellie was married to her lifelong friend and husband, James Dale Bryan in 1965.  They remained married until his passing in 2021 and had three children.

 

Ellie worked for years as a hairdresser and then later in life went to nursing school.  She worked as a nurse in long term care at Jefferson City Manor and St. Joseph Nursing Home.  She also worked as a nurse for the Missouri Department of Corrections, Renz Women’s Penitentiary and JCCC and then retired as a nurse from Cole County Health Department (WIC) where she cared for many young children.  She loved and cared deeply for all her patients.  Ellie was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and child of GOD who enjoyed being with her family, working in her flower gardens and gardening, caring for the hummingbirds, painting, arts and crafts, and she loved a good garage sale.  She had a beautiful singing voice and sang in the First Assembly of God church choir and Jefferson City Cantorum for years.

 

Ellie is survived by her sister: Susan Brand; sister-in-law: Mary Bryan; brother-in-law: John Bryan; two sons: Jim Bryan and Jeffrey Scott Bryan; one daughter: Jane Holt (Rob); seven grandchildren: Robbie (Jamee), Taylor (Chelsie), Harley (Brian), Karson (Jacob), Justin (Amber), Payton (Charlotte), Madalyn Elizabeth Bryan; fourteen great-grandchildren: Gaby, Caden, Mahala, Addison, Kaelyn, Keith, Kaiser, Axel, Rylee, Olivia, Josephine, Lennox, Hendrix, baby Bradley due in October 2024; and several nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband: James Dale Bryan; adopted father: Jack Randazzo; adopted mother: Elizabeth Jane Randazzo Schupp; biological father: Lonnie Slawson; biological mother: Anna Pearl Slawson; brothers: Claude, Clyde, and Chester; sisters: Lucille, Rosalee, Leota, and Margaret; father-in-law: Emerson Bryan; mother-in-law: Neva Bryan; bother-in-law: Robert "Jerry" Bryan; sister-in-law: Paula Amick Bryan; and daughter-in-law: Mary Elizabeth Bryan. 

 

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 12 at Concord Baptist Church fellowship hall, 3724 Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109. We would love to see you there as we honor her life.

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Like a ship sailing away, she might be out of sight but never gone. She will live in our memories for the rest of our days.  Mom did not want any tears as she was “ready to go home”.  From the family, we just thank you for being a part of her life. 

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Arrangements for Ellie Bryan are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101. (573) 636-2424.

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Mr. David C. Grossen, 78, Osage Beach, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born Tuesday, February 12, 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of the late Kenneth M. and Donna I. (Young) Grossen. On Tuesday, September 14, 1965 in Spartansburg, SC., he was united in marriage to Nancy S. Burdette who survives at their home. 

 

David proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. He was an electrician and owned and operated HVAC-ELECTRICAL for many years until his retirement. 

 

In addition to his loving wife of over 59 years; Nancy, he is survived by two children: Deidra (Timothy) Cutbirth of Springfield, MO., David M. Grossen of Massillon, OH.; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

 

No services are planned at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Compassus in memory of David. 

 

Arrangements for Mr. Grossen are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424.

 

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​​Mr. Larry Darnell Thomas, 73, of Jefferson City, Missouri passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City surrounded by family. He was born on Monday, August 27, 1951, in New Madrid, Missouri.

On Tuesday, December 25, 1984, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Shirley Carroll who survives at their home.

 

Mr. Thomas was a Researcher, Author, Life-Coach and Motivational Speaker who held a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and a Masters Degree in History with an emphasis in African American studies. During his career at Lincoln University, he served as a Media Clerk, Photo Lab Assistant, Editor, Program Assistant and as the Director of Educational Opportunity Programs. Additionally, he served as President of a Tri-State Education Association and sat on a Statewide and Regional Board of Directors of an Education Association. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

 

In addition to his loving wife of over 39 years, Larry is survived by his children: Antonio (Paulette) Lang of St. Louis, MO., Latasha Paige of South Bend, IN., Destiny Thomas of Holts Summit, MO., Aisha (Michael) Hillian of Philadelphia, PA., Amber (Tim) Hill of Lexington, KY.; brothers: Nathaniel (Gerlinda) Hackney of Aurora, CO., Phillip Thomas of St. Louis, MO.; fifteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Goldean Thomas and Percy Henry Thomas II and his brother Percy H. Thomas III.

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A memorial service will be held at the Jefferson City Church of God in Christ on Saturday September 28th at 1pm, 616 Locust St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.  

Arrangements for Mr. Thomas are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424. 

 

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Verna C. Clark, 76, California, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024 at home surrounded by her family. She was born July 10, 1948 in Jefferson City, the daughter of Clem and Frankie (Elgin) Surface who preceded her in death. She was united in marriage on September 18, 1965 at Faith Lutheran Church in Jefferson City to Gary W. Clark, who survives of the home.

Verna was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed her family immensely. Verna worked many years as the bookkeeper for their family business, Clark Auto Sales. She later retired from the Missouri Department of Corrections in 2013. Her hobbies included watching wildlife (especially hummingbirds), planting flowers, and spending time with her family. Verna was also an extraordinary cook and baker, known for her delicious meals and baked goods that brought joy to the family.

In addition to her loving husband of over 58 years, Gary; Verna is survived by four sons: Tyran (Toni) Clark of Jefferson City, Spencer (Christy) Clark of Jefferson City, Shawn (Meredith) Clark of Fulton, Wesley (Jody) Clark of Jefferson City; ten grandchildren: Kayle (Lee) Tiberghien, Kurt (Christine) Clark, Kody Clark, Brittany (Bryce) Bell, Shelby (Boone) Kroenke, Katherine Burton, Jordin (Lance) Green, Collin Clark, Preston Clark, Sidney Clark; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters: Minnie (Gene) Kirwan of Jefferson City, Juanita Woods of California, Birdie McFeeters of Cole Camp; and many nieces and nephews.

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She was preceded in death by three brothers: Troy Surface, Lester Surface, and Daniel Surface and two sisters Linda Holliday and Patsy Bottoms.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Compassus Jefferson City. 

Arrangements for Mrs. Clark are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424. 

 

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Mary C. Schepers, 63, Centertown passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024. She was born Friday, June 2, 1961 in Jefferson City a daughter of the late Nelson and Catherine (Schaefer) Perrey. She was a 1979 Helias High School Graduate and a Lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Parish. 

 

Mary  loved spending time with her granddaughters and showering them with gifts and hugs and kisses. She  loved being outdoors on her farm with her dogs and horses. She enjoyed sitting on the back porch grilling. She also loved trail riding with her horse Flicka and Kayaking on several of our Missouri rivers. 

 

 

Mary is survived by two daughters: Katie Schepers of Centertown, Abby (Lucas) Vogel of Jefferson City; two granddaughters: Charlotte “Charlee” Vogel, Audrey Vogel; brother: Dale (Terri) Perrey of  Austin TX; sister: Karen Perrey of Jefferson City; sister in-law: Teresa Perrey of  Bartlesville OK.; one niece and several nephews. 

 

She was preceded in death by her parents Nelson and Catherine and one brother: Mark Perrey. 

 

Visitation will be 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at the Cathedral with Reverend Stephen Jones officiating. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. 

 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. 

Arrangements for Ms. Schepers are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424. 

 

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