Desiree Beth Grayson

Desiree Beth Grayson, was born July 8, 1991, in Charlottesville, Virginia, and passed away unexpectedly on August 27, 2024, at her home in Independence, Missouri. At just 33 years old, Desiree’s sudden departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her loved ones and all who knew her.

 Desiree was a devoted mother to three beautiful children: Landon Grayson, 14 years old; Acelynn Cole, 10 years old; and Zendaya Cole, 5 years old. Her children were the light of her life, and she found immense joy in caring for them, cooking their favorite meals, and sharing in their everyday moments.

A graduate of Fort Osage High School in 2009, Desiree furthered her education at National American University and Metropolitan Community College as she prepared for nursing school. In recent years, she was excitedly anticipating a return to school to pursue a long-held dream of becoming a mortician, a passion she had nurtured since childhood.

Desiree’s life was rich with creativity and humor. She delighted in making videos that brought laughter to others, and she had a deep love for makeup, hair, and nails—talents she used to express herself and bring joy to those around her. Her enthusiasm for video games was well known, and she was equally passionate about sports, dance, and gymnastics, excelling in all of them as a child.

Her love for animals was evident in the way she cared for her beloved dog, Marly, and her pet snake, Oreo. These companions brought her comfort and happiness, and they were cherished members of her family.

Desiree is survived by her fiancé and soulmate Maurice Cole and their three children, Landon, Acelynn, and Zendaya; her mother, Laurie Clark, and stepfather, Gary Clark; her father, Cornell Grayson, and stepmother, Xiomara Herrera; her brothers, Cornell Grayson Jr. and wife Mae Grayson, Corbin Grayson, and Gary Clark Jr.; her sister, Darian Grayson; and a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her grandmothers; Thelma Grayson, Marjorie McLean, Dorothy Clark and by her grandfathers; Thomas Wayne Shue, Gerald McLean and Clifford Clark. 

Desiree’s vibrant spirit and her unwavering love for her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her legacy of laughter, creativity, and determination to follow her dreams will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held for Desiree at Elysian Fields, 858 NW Hwy Z, Bates City, MO, 64011 on Wednesday, September 4th, at 3:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where friends and family are invited to celebrate her life. We would also like to welcome those that may not be able to make the service to come to the visitation, which will be held at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524 on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family in care of Laurie Clark or Cornell Grayson to assist with financial obligations and future support for her children. If you wish to make a donation online a GoFundMe has been set up, please search for Desiree Grayson or click on the link https://gofund.me/eb180186

May Desiree rest in peace, forever loved and always remembered.