In Remembrance Of

Audrey Holdsworth-Payne

Audrey Holdsworth-Payne, 73 of Gladstone, MO passed away, Friday, February 12, 2021.

She was born on May 20, 1947 to Nash Mark and Mary Ann (Russell) Meares in Kansas City. Audrey grew up in Smithville and graduated from Smithville High School with honors. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Language in Literature with a minor in Education from UMKC. She earned her Master’s Degree from University of Kansas. 

 Audrey was teacher at North Kansas City School District and retired as the head of English Department. During her time at North Kansas City she wrote the dissemination grant for Missouri Department of Education and which created Gifted Education Programs for the State. 

She was preceded in death by parents.

Audrey is survived by her daughter, JoCatherine Prisby and husband, Robert; granddaughter, ViviAnne; sister, Charlotte Meares; life-partner, Steven H. Brown; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial Service: 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville with visitation one hour prior to the service.

 Donations may be made to JoCatherine Prisby for a Scholarship Fund for the North Kansas City School District.

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14 comments

  • Chris Homiak

    Aubrey volunteered with bilingual students for many years at Northgate. She was a generous, patient, flexible teacher, always eager to find the right book to pair with each student. Her laughter and her ability to connect with students through reading (and listening patiently to them!) was remarkable. We will miss Aubrey!

  • Valerie Sheckells

    Audrey was such an amazing volunteer at our school. You could tell she really cared for the students. She spent so much time getting to know them, and enjoyed working with them one-on-one. We will miss her and her laugh!

  • Chris Homiak

    Audrey volunteered with bilingual students for many years at Northgate. She was a generous, patient, flexible teacher, always eager to find the right book to pair with each student. Her laughter and her ability to connect with students through reading (and listening patiently to them!) was remarkable. We will miss Audrey!

  • Shauna Oldham

    I was very sorry to hear about Audrey’s passing. She volunteered at Northgate frequently and was very kind to everyone. She touched many kids’ lives and will be missed.

  • Jane Prewitt

    So sorry to hear this, she was in our building often subbing or helping out with students. She always came by the nurses office to say hello to me when she was here. She will be missed.

  • Tammie May

    I am so sorry to hear about Audrey’s passing. As a volunteer at Northgate, Audrey was always pleasant and kind. Her smile would brighten your day, even if she didn’t say anything. Our staff and students were fortunate to have her. She will be missed.

  • Brandi Stout

    Audrey spent many years working with me as a volunteer at Northgate Middle School. She volunteered with students, organized projects in the library, and collected donations for our performing arts programs. We so appreciated her warmth and presence. We miss her.

  • Shirley A. Rickett

    My friend, Audrey, was a champion of education in all of its forms. She was especially supportive of opportunities for gifted children with settings and direction that matched their unique needs. No obstacle was ever an obstacle. Her personality lit up any room she entered. She was a friend and a mentor to me. Her light will remain with those who loved her and remember her.

  • Bill and carol dawkins

    Sending thoughts and prayers for the whole family

  • Larry McMillin

    May the Lord be with her and the family

  • Troy Fredde

    Audrey was a welcoming presence in the NKCNEA office. She was kind and helpful to me as I started new leadership roles. We always had interesting conversations anytime she was in the office when I was. I will greatly miss those conversations. RIP Audrey

  • Lowell Houts

    Thoughts and prayers for all the family.

  • Debbie and Greg Kampenga

    We are wishing you Comfort and Peace during this difficult time..
    Rest in Peace Audrey

  • Ruth Konken

    Sorry to see her passing. Thought of her often and I live in Westbrook Villa center.

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