IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing and congratulating Charline “Donna Ruth” Mansfield during Women’s Month and for her 80th birthday.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22224, March 23, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Donna Peyton, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Charline “Donna Ruth” Mansfield was born on March 28, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, the second-born child of Condlee and Lodie Dawson, and from her earliest days has brought warmth, generosity, and resilience to all who know her; and,
WHEREAS, she was raised alongside her siblings Helen, Ruby, and Ronald (Ronnie), all of whom preceded her in death, yet whose memories she continues to honor through her strength, compassion, and unwavering faith; and,
WHEREAS, she was baptized in November 1956 at Macedonia Baptist Church, then located at 2205 Troost, under the leadership of the late Rev. Preston Allen Sr., beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service; and,
WHEREAS, she has faithfully served Macedonia Baptist Church for sixty-nine years in numerous ministries, including the Prison Ministry, Mosaic Ministry, Greeter Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, and Mass Choir, and was honored as a “Precious Jewel” during the church’s 110th Anniversary Celebration, recognizing her extraordinary dedication; and,
WHEREAS, she received her education in the Kansas City Public Schools at Charles Sumner Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, and Lincoln Senior High and continued her studies at Draughons College of Commerce and Kansas City College of Medical and Dental Careers, where she earned her Certified Medical Assistant certificate, one of her proudest accomplishments; and,
WHEREAS, she built a long and meaningful career marked by excellence, compassion, and professionalism, serving 17 years at Harzfeld’s Department Store in downtown
Kansas City, 13 years with the Medical Records Corporation, 17 years with Midwest Women’s Healthcare, 3 years with LINC, and 7 years at St. Luke’s Child Care Center; and,
WHEREAS, she has lived a life defined by love and selflessness, raising her own four children as well as her sister Helen’s three children Michael, LaNeida, and Tina and her great-niece, Sharae, becoming a mother figure to many who affectionately call her “Mother”; and,
WHEREAS, she stands proudly as the oldest living relative in the family, both near and far, serving as the heart of the Dawson, Jones, Washington legacy and a source of wisdom, comfort, and unity for generations; and,
WHEREAS, she was united in marriage to Joe Dean, Booker Staten, and Woodrow Mansfield, all of whom preceded her in death, yet she has continued to walk forward with grace, courage, and a steadfast devotion to God; and,
WHEREAS, she has shared her creativity and talents with the community teaching ceramics in the1980s, crafting beautifully wrapped gifts with her signature bows, designing wreaths for every season, and nurturing an impressive collection of thriving plants through her remarkable “green thumb”; and,
WHEREAS, her home has long been a place of joy, laughter, and unforgettable meals,
serving as the gathering place for holidays and celebrations, where she welcomes all with open arms; and,
WHEREAS, she is surrounded by a loving family including her children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, and a host of extended relatives who treasure her deeply and celebrate her with joy; and,
WHEREAS, she is fondly known for her signature phrase “Ugh! You know what?” a line that brings smiles and laughter to everyone who knows her; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Jackson County Legislature joyfully honors and celebrates Charline C. Staten-Mansfield (Donna Ruth) on the momentous occasion of her 80th birthday, recognizing her extraordinary life, her boundless love, and the powerful legacy she continues to build; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented with heartfelt
gratitude, admiration, and celebration for a life beautifully lived and generously shared.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22224 of March 23, 2026, was duly passed on ______________________, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ______________
Abstaining _____________ Absent ____________
_________________ _______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature