Shelia Jeannette Haralson

Shelia Jeannette Haralson, age 70, passed away on February 25, 2026, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Shelia was born on September 3, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri to Birdis O. Herring II and Priscilla L. (Lewis) Herring Ford. She grew up in Kansas City and was the middle child of ten siblings, a position that helped shape her deep appreciation for family, connection, and togetherness. Growing up in a large family taught her the importance of love, resilience, and supporting one another—values she carried with her throughout her life.

Shelia attended Central High School and later received her GED from the University of Missouri on May 18, 1976.

At a young age, Shelia was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service to the Lord. She later continued her spiritual calling and was ordained as an Evangelist/Minister of the Gospel on April 22, 2007, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Lee Freeman Sr. During her time there, she also served as the Director of the Young Matrons, mentoring and guiding young teenage girls in faith, leadership, and personal growth. In June 2025, she was elevated to Elder at New Hope Church of Christ Non-Denominational under the leadership of Bishop Bruce Walker.

Throughout her life, Shelia built a strong and diverse career marked by dedication and service. She began working at a young age, with her first job pumping gas for $1.50 on Blue Parkway. She later worked as a cashier at Buy Right before serving as a secretary and bookkeeper at St. Mark’s Church. Shelia went on to spend 25 years as a Benefits Analyst at Western Auto and later continued her work in the financial and benefits field at UMB Bank. Her professional journey also included roles with JP Morgan/Empower Retirement, where she served as a Client Service Manager, Trustee Financial Advisor, and Benefits Analyst. In addition to her corporate career, Shelia faithfully served her church community as the Church Clerk and Financial Secretary at New Hope Church for several years.

Shelia was known for her vibrant personality and love for life. In the 1970's she was a proud member of a skate club, and she always enjoyed roller skating. She also loved fishing, traveling, and spending time with family. She had a special love for all shades of pink, which reflected her bright spirit and joyful personality. Shelia was also a two-time breast cancer survivor, showing incredible strength, faith, and resilience throughout her life.

Shelia met Richard Pruitt, and from that relationship she welcomed two children, Richard and LaKisha. Later, Shelia married Michael E. Haralson. They shared 40 years of marriage together. From this union, the family grew, as Shelia gained another son, Michael Haralson Jr.

Shelia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Michael E. Haralson; her parents, Birdis O. Herring II and Priscilla L. (Lewis) Herring Ford; her grandparents: Percival Al J. Sturges, Roger Herring, and Finnetta Woodbury Lewis; her aunt, Hollie Lewis Trotter; her uncle, Ben Trotter; her niece, Tashonna Williams Bonner; her granddaughter, Roncea; and two sons, Ronald Pruitt Sr. and Demarco Knott.

Left to cherish Shelia's memory: her children, Richard Herring (Moneca), LaKisha Johnson, Marquita Pruitt Stone, Ronnetta Pruitt, Michael Haralson Jr., and KaMarionia Morgan; her bonus children: Relliah Harris, Venice Beasley-Appiah, Yvonne Comas, Vernell Woods and Terry Clay

She also leaves to cherish: five brothers: Gerrie Herring, Anthon Herring, Marcus Herring (Drenna), Roger Taylor (Alisha), and Josh Wright; seven sisters: Hollis Boyd, Vashti Williams (Lemuel Williams II), Marcia Wagner, Myra Keatings, Birdella Taylor, Burnett Brook (Gregg), and Carla Wright; one aunt, Sylvia Edwards of Rahway, New Jersey; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and friends.

Shelia leaves a loving legacy through her grandchildren: MiKeya Weston, Sunnie Carney, Cindy Woods, Torre’ece Diamond, Gabrielle Herring, Richard Herring Jr., Rian Johnson, Christopher Weston IV (CJ), Teyaira, Raphael Herring, Kia’Zha Herring, Kanye Woods, Raquise Shelton, Ronniesha Morgan, Giovanni Herring, Ronald Pruitt Jr., Carlton Jackson, and Chase Salazar (Jessica) of Detroit, Michigan.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren Christopher, Mylynn, Naevia, Nile, Nora, Jasmine, Joshua, Niko, Sofia, Luxan, and Gio, who will continue to carry her love and memory forward.