Kelly Reneé Bowland, 55, KCMO, was called home on March 31, 2016. She was born December 18, 1960 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Leola and Frederick Sanders, the eldest of two children. Kelly accepted Christ and enjoyed a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior. She graduated from Raytown South High School in 1979 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mid-American Nazarene College, and completed her Master of Science degree in Management from Baker University. Kelly began her employment career at Western Missouri Mental Health Center. Over the next thirty-three years Kelly worked for the following organizations: Jackson County, Missouri; the Full Employment Council, and The Community Movement for Urban Progress (Move UP). In 2008, Kelly was hired by University Academy (UA) Charter School as the Chief of Operations. It was here at UA where many of the students would see 'Miss Kelly' in the hallways and make their way to give her a hug daily. Anyone who knew Kelly well, could attest that there were two things she was most passionate about; family and reading. Kelly also spent time mentoring and encouraging others to always pursue their personal goals and dreams. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband Mark; two children, TaJaree Brooks and DeMarco Bowland; parents, Fred and Leola Sander; one sister, Dr. Carla Mebane, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 9, 2:00 p.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors, Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on this website.