Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 LV, NV 89104 Services: Friday November 14th, 2025 9-11a Burial to Follow 12p Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Boulder City, NV 89005 "Kind." "Generous," «Thoughtful." "Sweet." These are just a few of the words people used to describe my mother, Kaori Shimoda Guerra, upon learning of her sudden passing. While these terms are true, Those closest to her also knew her as a balanced woman-savvy, resilient, persistent, and deeply protective. Regardless of how people knew my mother, it is undisputed that she was extraordinary. Kaori passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the presence of her only child, Jessica Shimoda Guerra. She was 63 years old. Her life was a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kaori graduated from Tokai University in 1984 with a degree in History, specializing in English history. Though she originally planned to become a teacher, she quickly realized the classroom wasn't her calling and pivoted to broadcast journalism at her father's newspaper company. Hoping to become an international investigative journalist, she initially learned English from a When David received orders to leave Japan, Kaori made the bold decision to follow him to a country she had never seen and whose language she barely spoke. She immigrated to the United States in December 1986, to begin a new life built on courage and love. In the early years of their marriage, Kaori took on various jobs, including selling hand-painted wood crafts at local fairs. After David's separation from the Navy, the couple settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Kaori worked for Las Vegas VIP Service, assisting Japanese clients in tourism. After more than a decade of service, she left to care for her family and study accounting. In 2002, while selling her own home, Kaori discovered her true professional passion: real estate. She quickly fell in love with “house hunting” and helping others not just find a house but a home. By 2004, she was a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, where she served the Las Vegas community for over 22 years. Known for her tireless work ethic, integrity, and warmth, Kaori consistently ranked among the top 25% of her company and earned numerous awards. Yet, her greatest satisfaction came from helping people find stability and joy in homeownership. She was particularly talented with assisting military families, immigrants, and those with limited means. Those that knew her, knew Kaori was a self-described “Workaholic” who even spent her spare answering emails, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Outside of work, Kaori cherished good meals and lively conversations with family, friends, and clients alike. She had a rare gift for connection, where strangers quickly felt like family. Her hobbies also included doing her laundry, reorganizing her home (especially her closet and desk), watching TV dramas-particularly Chinese period epics, Korean revenge stories, and Japanese shows—and spending quiet time with her husband and daughter. She loved coffee, animals, and shopping, but notoriously did not like camping (or, as she would have put it, "anything with dirt"). Though she lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Kaori remained deeply proud of her Japanese Heritage. Since 2016, she volunteered with the Kizuna Japanese Society, finding joy in community with other Japanese people and sharing her culture with the broader Las Vegas community. She made it a point to never forget who she was or where she came from. Kaori is survived by her husband of 38 years & nine months, David Guerra; her daughter, Jessica.Shimoda Guerra; her mother, Nobuko Shimoda; her sister, Megumi Fujita; and her nieces and nephews, Kaori is also survived by her pets: Komugi, the golden-doodle; Kiki, the micromini labradoodle; Nikki, the African grey parrot; the chickens - Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy aka "the Golden Girls"); and Many remember my mother for her warmth, determination, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her kindness and positivity touched countless lives, and her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion continue to live on in all who knew her. However, her journey also reminds us to live boldly, love deeply, and give generously. Despite every obstacle, Kaori turned her experiences, skills, and opportunities into a full-filling life uniquely her own. While she is no longer with us, her light and legacy continue to shine through the memories, stories, and lessons she leaves behind. We can honor her memory by learning the lessons she has taught us, including to be open-minded, and appreciate and respect the elements of the world and people around us. ~Jessica Shimoda Guerra Kaori's Daughter
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF Michael Michael Francis was born on April 03, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, to William and Sydney Francis whom proceeded him in death. He grew up with his siblings, Terry Francis, and Edward Griffin Jr., in a loving and supportive family. Michael attended Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, where he excelled in academics, and later graduated in 1983. Michael later joined the Army in 1990, where he received his Army Service Ribbon, a Marksman Badge specializing in rifle marksmanship, and lastly receiving his Sharpshooter certification badge. Michael later moved to Santa Maria with Sydney and William, where he met and married Marilyn DeWitt in, who preceded him in death. To their union, they had one son, Milton Michael Francis, and two step-sons, Rudy and Romeo. Romeo, who also preceded him in death. Legacy and Remembrance Michael's life was marked by love, joy, and a spirit of service. He was a devoted son, caring brother, loyal friend, and loving husband. His radiant smile and positive energy left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Michael's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and a commitment to making people smile wherever he went. Michael is survived by his son, Milton Michael Francis, and siblings, Terry Francis, Edward Griffin Jr., and Edith Gillette, and many extended family members and friends. His memory will be cherished forever. Acknowledgments The Francis family extends their deepest gratitude for the support, prayers, and love during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion provide great comfort. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." 一 Psalm 23:1-3
Friday June 20th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing & Service 11:30-1:30p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
Alice McDonnell
7031791897 • February 21, 2019
Sunrise: May 22, 1951 Sunset: February 10, 2019
Alice Joyce Hankins was born on May 22, 1951, in Hollywood, California.There she lived with her birth mother and grandmother, Ruby Dixon. She is affectionately known to us as Joyce, but she fondly spoke of her grandmother who referred to her as Alice and taught her the essence of being a young lady. Proper etiquette and manner was a must. She exemplified those traits throughout her life.
As a young girl her father, Robert Wonderful Hankins become custodial parent and she moved with him and his wife Juanita to Las Vegas, NV. She spoke about her childhood home as being filled with pets, love and fruit trees. It was in this home that Alice received her to have spirit of excellence, incredible character, and exceptional work ethic.
One of her favorite scriptures was Isaiah 54:13, "And all my children shell be taught of the Lord, and great shall by the peace of thy children." This was definitely the case in childhood home. Bible study and prayer were the standard in the Hankins' home. At the age 12, destiny met purpose and the Hankins family moved three houses away from the Parson family. These families became friends and Joyce, her parents and sister, Edith, helped Elder and Mother Parson found what become Vegas View Church of God in Christ (COGIC). As a teenager Joyce found what became Choir, and Sunday School. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable. Her level of intellect was amazing!Throughout her life she never stopped learning. The scripture Isaiah 54:13 and the skills and knowledge she gained as a teen and young woman at Vegas View was a driving force throughout her life as she led, developed and oversaw multiple youth auxiliaries and ministries, while raising three children.
Joyce graduated from Rancho High School in 1969 and enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It was at Vegas View COGIC that Joyce met the love of her life Charles McDonnell. They married in October of 1972. Her circle of family grew as the McDonnell family was great in number. They loved her as a sister. The Lord took Charles home in February of 193. She often spoke of how they were not just husband and wife, but good friends. Together they birth three beautiful children: Jabari, Jamila and Janina. She always put them first. They were her blessing and greatest joy. When necessary, she worked two jobs to make their needs were met. Jabari, Jamila and Janina were active in school, church and sports. She cultivated a home life that was nurturing and structured. Although she was busy with work and church, she always took the time for her children. They often went to the movies or gathered in front of the TV for quality time. She was a mother and role model. She was a confidant and comforter. She encouraged and disciplined. She was a good cook and passed that passion on to her daughters. Everyone knows her macaroni and cheese was the best! She was intentional in her love for her children. It began with their names, of which she was so proud of. Jabari means brave. Jamila means beautiful. Janina means God is gracious. She was everything a mother should be and more.
Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 LV, NV 89104 Services: Friday November 14th, 2025 9-11a Burial to Follow 12p Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Boulder City, NV 89005 "Kind." "Generous," «Thoughtful." "Sweet." These are just a few of the words people used to describe my mother, Kaori Shimoda Guerra, upon learning of her sudden passing. While these terms are true, Those closest to her also knew her as a balanced woman-savvy, resilient, persistent, and deeply protective. Regardless of how people knew my mother, it is undisputed that she was extraordinary. Kaori passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the presence of her only child, Jessica Shimoda Guerra. She was 63 years old. Her life was a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kaori graduated from Tokai University in 1984 with a degree in History, specializing in English history. Though she originally planned to become a teacher, she quickly realized the classroom wasn't her calling and pivoted to broadcast journalism at her father's newspaper company. Hoping to become an international investigative journalist, she initially learned English from a When David received orders to leave Japan, Kaori made the bold decision to follow him to a country she had never seen and whose language she barely spoke. She immigrated to the United States in December 1986, to begin a new life built on courage and love. In the early years of their marriage, Kaori took on various jobs, including selling hand-painted wood crafts at local fairs. After David's separation from the Navy, the couple settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Kaori worked for Las Vegas VIP Service, assisting Japanese clients in tourism. After more than a decade of service, she left to care for her family and study accounting. In 2002, while selling her own home, Kaori discovered her true professional passion: real estate. She quickly fell in love with “house hunting” and helping others not just find a house but a home. By 2004, she was a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, where she served the Las Vegas community for over 22 years. Known for her tireless work ethic, integrity, and warmth, Kaori consistently ranked among the top 25% of her company and earned numerous awards. Yet, her greatest satisfaction came from helping people find stability and joy in homeownership. She was particularly talented with assisting military families, immigrants, and those with limited means. Those that knew her, knew Kaori was a self-described “Workaholic” who even spent her spare answering emails, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Outside of work, Kaori cherished good meals and lively conversations with family, friends, and clients alike. She had a rare gift for connection, where strangers quickly felt like family. Her hobbies also included doing her laundry, reorganizing her home (especially her closet and desk), watching TV dramas-particularly Chinese period epics, Korean revenge stories, and Japanese shows—and spending quiet time with her husband and daughter. She loved coffee, animals, and shopping, but notoriously did not like camping (or, as she would have put it, "anything with dirt"). Though she lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Kaori remained deeply proud of her Japanese Heritage. Since 2016, she volunteered with the Kizuna Japanese Society, finding joy in community with other Japanese people and sharing her culture with the broader Las Vegas community. She made it a point to never forget who she was or where she came from. Kaori is survived by her husband of 38 years & nine months, David Guerra; her daughter, Jessica.Shimoda Guerra; her mother, Nobuko Shimoda; her sister, Megumi Fujita; and her nieces and nephews, Kaori is also survived by her pets: Komugi, the golden-doodle; Kiki, the micromini labradoodle; Nikki, the African grey parrot; the chickens - Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy aka "the Golden Girls"); and Many remember my mother for her warmth, determination, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her kindness and positivity touched countless lives, and her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion continue to live on in all who knew her. However, her journey also reminds us to live boldly, love deeply, and give generously. Despite every obstacle, Kaori turned her experiences, skills, and opportunities into a full-filling life uniquely her own. While she is no longer with us, her light and legacy continue to shine through the memories, stories, and lessons she leaves behind. We can honor her memory by learning the lessons she has taught us, including to be open-minded, and appreciate and respect the elements of the world and people around us. ~Jessica Shimoda Guerra Kaori's Daughter
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF Michael Michael Francis was born on April 03, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, to William and Sydney Francis whom proceeded him in death. He grew up with his siblings, Terry Francis, and Edward Griffin Jr., in a loving and supportive family. Michael attended Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, where he excelled in academics, and later graduated in 1983. Michael later joined the Army in 1990, where he received his Army Service Ribbon, a Marksman Badge specializing in rifle marksmanship, and lastly receiving his Sharpshooter certification badge. Michael later moved to Santa Maria with Sydney and William, where he met and married Marilyn DeWitt in, who preceded him in death. To their union, they had one son, Milton Michael Francis, and two step-sons, Rudy and Romeo. Romeo, who also preceded him in death. Legacy and Remembrance Michael's life was marked by love, joy, and a spirit of service. He was a devoted son, caring brother, loyal friend, and loving husband. His radiant smile and positive energy left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Michael's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and a commitment to making people smile wherever he went. Michael is survived by his son, Milton Michael Francis, and siblings, Terry Francis, Edward Griffin Jr., and Edith Gillette, and many extended family members and friends. His memory will be cherished forever. Acknowledgments The Francis family extends their deepest gratitude for the support, prayers, and love during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion provide great comfort. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." 一 Psalm 23:1-3
Friday June 20th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing & Service 11:30-1:30p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
