Louise Sterling was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, April 8, 1932, to the union of Henry and Carrie (Harvey) Smith. She relocated to Rosedale Kansas with her father and 3 sisters, after the passing of her mother. She married Johnnie Sterling and four children were born to this union. Her husband, Johnnie Sterling, her son, Charles Sterling and sisters, Lillie Mae Turner and Rosie Lee Green preceded her in death. She was educated in both Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS public schools. After receiving her diploma, she continued her education by completing business school. Louise worked various jobs to support her family, until she became a secretary for the Presbyterian Church Headquarters in Kansas City, MO. She was proud of the work she did and said often that her coworkers were like family. The families of the employees were also supported, celebrated and brought into the fold. She was a devoted employee there for 37 years. Louise accepted Christ as her Savior in her youth. He was her stronghold her whole life. Her children would not be able to count the many times in their lives that she told them to "pray about it". She wanted them to know the power of prayer as she did. When her family moved to this area, she attended St James Baptist Church in the Westport neighborhood of Kansas City MO. Her grandfather was pastor there. Then her family united with Emmanuel Baptist Church Kansas City, MO. There she served faithfully in her youth and in adulthood. She later joined St James United Methodist Church Kansas City MO. She loved her St James family and pastors. She was always looking for opportunities to serve and to be in God's house, volunteering wherever she saw a need. She was a greeter, the perfect job for her because of her beautiful smile and loving spirit. She was a regular attendee at Wednesday Night Bible Study, until she was no longer able. Being at church gave her tremendous joy. Very few people knew Louise was a master seamstress. She made coats suits, dresses, etc. that were of high-end department store quality. She mainly sewed for herself and her children. However, when times changed, so did she, putting away her sewing machine. Her favorite pastime was to go thrifting. She had such exquisite taste that you would not know where she might have purchased an item. If you asked, she would mischievously say, "I got it from MY STORE". People who knew her knew that that meant a thrift store. She loved her family without reservation and was gentle in her interactions no matter the circumstance. She was soft spoken, regal in her carriage and kindhearted, with a playful sense of humor. Her tenacity was unequalled when it came to what was important to her. Louise was an active and beloved member of the Sumner Class Club of 1952. She served as their secretary for many years. She cherished the times that she spent with classmates that she had known most of her life. Their activities included traveling, monthly meetings, and providing yearly scholarships. She passed away Saturday, January 1, 2022. She leaves to celebrate her life, her children, Jeanette Sterling, Jacqueline Sterling, Johnnie Sterling Jr; grandchildren, Johnny W Simmons, Tomarra Sterling, Shawnte` Sterling, Charles Mitchell, Christian Sterling, Simone Taylor, Julian S Ward, Tyler Sterling; goddaughters, Candace` Darden and Leia Darden; 21 great-grandchildren; 6 great- great grandchildren; sister, Bessie Allen; special friend, Alvin Brown; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and other family and friends. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 14, 2022. Visitation 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. St. James United Methodist Church,5540 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, MO., Pastor Danielle Quinn Officiating. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Masks are required for those in attendance. Services entrusted to Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors