WILLIE R. SHANNON

Willie R. Phinn Shannon, affectionately known to his family as "Lick," was born on October 14, 1937, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. He was one of twenty-five children born to the late Candis Stubbs and James C. Shannon Sr. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, twenty-two siblings and grandson, James Murray.

After completing high school, Willie embarked on a journey of exploration, traveling to various states before finally deciding to make Kansas City, Kansas his permanent home. It was here that he met and married Betty Jean Smith in 1963 and lovingly helped raise their two children.

Willie had a diverse career. He worked for General Motors, Van Chevrolet and later owned his own business, Shannon's Auto Sales. He was employed with Forest Hill Cemetery until his health began to decline.

Family and friends were central to Willie’s life. He cherished spending time with them during holidays and looked forward to going home to Mississippi annually to attend the Shannon Family Reunions.

Willie will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his love for life. He leaves behind a family who will continue to honor his memory and celebrate his life, his wife of sixty one years, Betty Shannon; three daughters, Cherri Germany (Jay), (Shawnee, KS,) Gail Murray (KCMO), Phyllis (Darnell) Young (Dallas, TX); one son, Myron Lindsey (Bonita), Twin Groves, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Myonna Mosley (Darvin), Conway, Arkansas, Keianthony (Sha) Cummings, Conway, Arkansas, Toiauna Mitchell (Dallas, TX), Ashley (Jesse) College (Shawnee, KS) and Gisele (Daniel) Prioleau of Shawnee, KS. two sisters; Mattie Shannon,(New Orleans,) and Barbra Reese, (Hazlehurst, MS); one brother; Thomas “TJ” Shannon (Deloris) of East St. Louis, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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