Deborah "Debbie" Diane Mason_Jones

Deborah Diane Mason-Jones “Debbie” age 73 died at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Kansas University Medical Center following a battle with Covid-19.    She was born on October 11, 1947, in Kansas City, Kansas at KU Medical Center as the first child of Charles Sr. and Rosalie Mason who both preceded her in death. 

She attended Saint Monica's/Annunciation for grade school and later Loretto Academy (Class of ’65) in Kansas City Missouri where she participated in softball, volleyball and tennis.  She went on to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia and Park College where she received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology. 

She accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into her life as a little girl and was a life-long member of the Catholic Church.  She and her family were long time members of Saint Monica’s Parish in Kansas City.   She attended church regularly and most recently began celebrating mass at the Saint Anthony’s Senior Living Center where she resided at the time of her death.  

Her mother Rosalie, was a trailblazing social activist who fought for equal rights and social justice and was a long time member of the Urban League.  Debbie would often go along to participate in sit ins, pickets and voter registration drives.  She also assisted Rosalie in catering many events around the Kansas City area. 

Debbie began a career in the federal government working for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where she rose through the ranks to eventually become Branch Chief.   During her time at HUD she received several awards and recognitions.  Debbie retired from the federal government in 2004 after nearly 30 years of service.  In her retirement she remained busy and spent some time working as a travel agent and cruise consultant for International Travel Connection.

Debbie loved reading, cooking, scrapbooking, crosswords and spending time with family and friends.  She especially loved to travel and went on several cruises where she also served as the cruise planner making sure everyone had a great time and made frequent trips to her vacation resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She was also extremely interested in genealogy and spent countless hours researching her family history and locating long lost relatives.  She participated in several clubs:  Pioneer Club,  Midwest African-American Genealogical Interest Coalition (M.A.G.I.C.), and TOPS. 

Debbie is survived by her sons, Scott C. Mason (Hon. Rhonda) of Olathe, Kansas and Stephen B. Jones of Blue Springs, Missouri.  Two grandchildren, Bryce Mason and Aaron "A.J." Mason. Five siblings, Charles M. Mason Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri, John Mason (Annie) Tonganoxie, Kansas , Dr. Charlyne "Pat" Mason-Dozier, Oakland California, Margaret J. Coleman (John) Greely, Colorado and Marc A. Mason (Tracy) Katy, Texas.    Nieces and nephews including Kenneth Dozier, Ryan Dozier,  Brooklyne Coleman, Bianca Coleman, Rodney Johnson, Jasmine Mason, Genesis Counce (Raedell) , Jessica Smith and Justin Junior.   She also leaves behind a host of extended family and close friends. 

The visitation is from 10-11 AM on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.  The funeral service will follow at 11 AM. at Watkins Heritage Chapel, 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri 64130.  Father Leonard Gicheru will be officiating. 

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