Mary Tamiko Yoshimura

Mary Tamiko Yoshimura, peacefully entered into the gates of heaven on the morning of Saturday, April 15, 2023, while in Mercy Hospital of Lebanon, Missouri, having attained the age of ninety-two. “Grandma Mary” as she was lovingly known as, by those she loved, was born, and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Riichi and Yasuko (Ueta) Miura. During WWII young Mary worked in the pineapple fields and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. Mary attended school in Hawaii, graduating, and went on to attend college as education was important to her. Mary was blessed by God with two children, Wendie, and Wesley. She enjoyed caring for her home and was a wonderful mother devoted to helping provide for the needs of her children. Mary moved to Los Angeles, California, living there until the early nineties. She then moved to Texas, before moving into the small community of Richland, Missouri. In 2002 while attending First Baptist Church of Ferris, Texas, Mary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized there by Pastor Bobby Adams. Grandma Mary moved to Richland, Missouri with her family and became a member of Grace Baptist Church and then Cornerstone Baptist Church of Richland, and attended faithfully as long as her health permitted and was deeply loved. The love and prayers received from her church families down through the years were precious to her and Grandma Mary treasured each of them. Mary always put her family and her faith foremost in her life and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Each family member held a very special place in her heart. Mary always looked forward to the great fun she’d have while vacationing in Las Vegas, a halfway point for her and all her family to gather to catch up with one another’s lives. Grandma Mary was such a talented lady. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and quilting, giving most away to her family and special friends. She loved reading, playing video games, and working on Sudoku puzzles. Grandma was a wonderful cook and especially loved feeding her family, the Soccer team and anyone who came through the door, especially kids. School kids just loved and adored being around Grandma Mary. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Helen Takano, and Katherine “Kay” Shimokawa, one brother, Calvin Miura; her Auntie Masa Watamura; and her special friends, Alice, and Walter Kinoshita. Mary is survived by her loving family: one daughter, Wendie Smith (John) of Richland, MO, and one son, Wesley Yoshimura (Alice) of Garden Grove, CA; 6 grandchildren: Tayler, Trevor, Jennifer (Chad), John, Mary, and Vernon; 3 great-grandchildren: Noah, Christian, and Emmitt; two sisters: Lillian Mito and Karen Miyahira both of Hawaii: special cousin, Carol Nasu (Jerald) and their children: Eric, Brandon, and Shane; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many special friends, Grandma Mary called family. Once in a lifetime someone can quietly enter into a person’s life and with just a loving smile and a warm embrace can leave a person feeling so deeply loved and cherished. That is the kind of lady Grandma Mary was…that is why she will forever be loved and remain in the hearts and lives she touched here on this earth. Our loss was certainly Heaven’s gain. A Celebration of Life Service was held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023, in the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Richland with Pastor Chuck Baker and Pastor Rocky Harris officiating. Son-in-law John Smith also shared touching thoughts and fond memories of Mary. The congregation sang, “Amazing Grace.” Pianist/soloist, Marsha Reagan accompanied soloist, Madison McNail as they sang “It Is Well With My Soul.” The Kingsman’s recording of the song “Wish You Were Here” was also played. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Grandma Mary Yoshimura and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Mary Tamiko Yoshimura

February 2, 1931 - April 15, 2023