Beverly Jean Shand, 89, passed away at her home in Platte Woods, Missouri, on Friday, December 2. Beverly was born on March 13, 1933, to Vernon Lesky Murphy and Dorothy Elizabeth (Whitt) Murphy, in Fairfield, Alabama. She married Craig H. Shand, a veteran of the Korean War, who also served as personal pilot to the Admiral of the Pacific Fleet. Beverly loved traveling with Craig; over the years they went on many birding expeditions which were a source of great joy to them. Beverly pursued higher education later in life, graduating from UMKC in 1977. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and maintained a 4.0 gpa throughout her college career, eventually earning her Masters Degree.
Her two greatest loves in life were teaching at Central High School in Kansas City Missouri, and spending time with her family. She had a love for teaching those students to read who found reading challenging. Beverly was a gifted seamstress and skilled in classic Southern cooking. Over her lifetime she made thousands of gingerbread men; she used to say it was just like getting to play with paper dolls you could eat!
Beverly is survived by her children, Vernon Shand (Penny), Cynthia White, Melanie Shand, and Arthur Shand (Odalys); four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and beloved sister Joanne Kusander. Beverly was predeceased by her husband Craig H. Shand, and by her brother Patrick Murphy.
A visitation will be held Thursday Dec. 15 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville, Mo., with the funeral service following at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel. A graveside committal service will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project.
My deepest condolences to the Shand family. I was fortunate to be a student of Mrs. Shands at Central High School. We just celebrated our 30 year anniversary. Mrs. Shand is the reason why most of us are still friends today. My prayers are with her family. #DawnBishop #Class of 92VintageBunch
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Shand was a major factor & influence in my life. She was my College English teacher, my senior year of high school at Central. She encouraged me to write an essay for a scholarship that paid for my entire college tuition.
I have always remembered her and am very thankful I encountered her in my life.
I was sorry to hear about your Mother, Melanie. She sounded like a wonderful woman and was glad to meet her at her 89h birthday party.
Just saw this, Melanie. So very sorry. Your mother was so delightful and very glad I met her and was able to spend time with her.
I recently thought of Mrs. Shand ran to Google. She took such great care of me as a student of CHS. I can’t quite put it into words her impact on me. Not to mention the many dinner she and Mr. Shand took me out on. They will be remembered.