Anna Lou Tommey

Anna Lou Tommey, 84, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She fought the good fight, she kept the faith, and she finished the race. Anna Lou was dedicated to her faith, her family, and her friends. Her life was not about achievements, although she had many, but about service and generosity.

Anna Lou was born on December 7, 1940, the daughter of the late Dave G. and Olevia J. (Roth) Tommey. She lived all but the last three years of her life in the Independence and Raytown areas, where she was very active in her church (Connection Point, formerly Waldo Avenue Baptist Church) and taught in the Raytown School System for more than 32 years. 

She was a Physical Education and Health teacher at the junior high and high schools, coached volleyball at both schools and at the community education program, was the pep squad sponsor, and did many other things to help her students over the years. 

A life-long learner, she earned her Associate of Arts degree from Central Missouri State University, her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Southwest Baptist College, and her Master of Science in Physical Education degree from Indiana University. 

She has funded scholarships at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX and at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. The latter scholarship is specifically chartered to help young women pursuing physical education degrees. When asked who she would give honor or credit to for her success, she answered, “I would honor God, who has made this all possible. And secondly, Margaret Beissenherz - my professional mentor.”

She was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, and a very active member in the Missouri Delta Rho Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma organization (an international professional society for women educators), holding many offices and roles. Additionally, she was a member of MOAHPERD, AAHPERD, Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA), National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association (NFICA), as well as many other organizations. She also was listed in Outstanding Educators in America, Outstanding Leaders in Elementary and Secondary Education, Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans, and received the Achievement Award from the Raytown Branch of the American Association of University Women.

Anna Lou was well loved and respected, so much so that she kept in touch with many former students, colleagues, and student teachers, until the end. A kind-hearted, dedicated, family oriented, fun-loving, holiday celebrating soul, Anna Lou always tried to see the best in others and in situations. She spent summers and school holidays with her nieces and nephews and their families creating many exceptional memories. Her love of the outdoors, especially birds and gardening, puzzle building, card game playing, joke telling, interior decorating, and ability to even out a layered cake will be remembered fondly. She loved her Kansas City Chiefs football team and was very happy to see them win the last two Super Bowls.

 Anna Lou is survived by her brothers J. Harold Tommey of Cameron, MO and Charles D (Dottie) Tommey of Parkersburg, WV; six nieces and nephews: Maurice, Mark, Cynthia, Cheryl, Charles R., and Janet; as well as 13 great nieces and nephews and six great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister-in-law, Barbara (Harold) Tommey. Anna Lou’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her family is comforted knowing that she is now at peace, celebrating in heaven with her Lord (and playing some serious tennis matches).

 Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 2:15 PM with a Celebration of Life service to follow immediately after at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 East 39th St S, Independence, 64055. A private burial service will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens, Independence where her earthly body will be laid to rest next to her father and mother. 

 Anna Lou loved flowers and if you wish to honor her memory with flowers, please send them to Speaks Suburban Chapel. She also loved to support numerous charities and the family would also consider it an honor if you contributed to one of her favorites in lieu of flowers: St. Judes, Samaritan’s Purse, or the Scholarship Fund of Raytown Retired Teachers and Personnel. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com

To contribute to the scholarship fund:

1. Go to the Raytown Educational Foundation website –https://ref.raytownschools.org/giving1/your-gift and click on DONATE in the middle of the page. 

2. This will send you to: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/RaytownEducationalFoundation/onlinegiving-1.html 

3. Select “RRT & SPA Memorial”, at the top of the Donation Form, in the Please Designate My Donation* box.

4. At the bottom of the page, you can type a message with Anna Lou’s name.

 Other options:

Mail check with instructions (“for RTT & SPA Memorial” in the memo line) to:

10750 East 350 Hwy.

Raytown, MO 64138

Call 816.268.7100 for more details.