Anna M Gresham

Anna Marie Adams was born to Richard Cranston and Janie Bell Blanks Adams on October 24, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri.  Anna Marie was the third of six children; Alfred, Opal, Evelyn, Mary, and Raymond, all who have preceded her in death.   Anna Marie grew up in the community known as Roundtop where many lifelong friendships were formed especially with her cousin Daisy Johnson Holloway and best “sister friend” Gloria Jean Foster Jackson, both preceding her in death.

Anna was educated in the Kansas City, MO Public School District where she excelled in culinary skills. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends.

Anna married her first love, Sylvester Winfield and to this union, her only child, Sylvester B. Winfield was born.   Sadly, Sylvester passed way in October 1958.  However, Anna was blissfully blessed to have found her second love, Xenoph Gresham and they were united in marriage on March 7, 1964.  She and Xenoph aka “X” were married for 37 years.  They were a social couple within the Roundtop and Leeds communities whether hosting weekend card games, attending family reunions and church cookouts.

Anna spent many years working for the Kansas City Missouri Public School District where she shared her culinary skills by baking various desserts for the students and staff at Central Junior High School. In later years, Anna Marie was employed at and retired from Western Missouri Mental Health Center working in environmental services and later was employed as a bus monitor at Vancom School Bus Services.

As the granddaughter of Mary Stewart, one of the founders of St. Matthew AME Zion Church, Anna Marie was a devoted, lifelong member who served in many capacities until her health began to fail. Anna served faithfully on the Alter Guild, the Adult Usher Board, Culinary Committee, former Local Chairman and Life Matron of the Overseas Missionary Society.  

Anna Marie is survived by her son Sylvester “Spike” B. Winfield, who called her Momma; special daughter and Caregiver Diana (DeeDee) Winfield, who affectionately called her Mother. Grandson Marcel A. (Angela) Ferguson, Spanaway, WA; Granddaughter Brooke Winfield, Five Great Grandchildren; Four Great-great Grandchildren, all who called her MawMaw.   A host of special nieces and nephews who called her Aunt Re; a special cousin Mildred Wilson, Florissant, MO; Sister-in-law Mary Adams; goddaughter Mauri Foster, and a host other relatives and friends.

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