Lynda Ellingburg Shannon, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the age of 76 after complications from multiple myeloma. Lynda graduated from Lula-Rich High School in 1960 where she participated in cheerleading and basketball; she was chosen by her classmates to be Football Homecoming queen. After high school, Lynda was employed by the FBI in Washington D.C. and then returned to Clarksdale to embark on a career as a paralegal in various law offices. Lynda married Ray Shepherd of Clarksdale who passed away after battling cancer. In 1999, Lynda married Dr. J. Grover Shannon and resided with him in Kennett, Mo., and Collierville, Tenn.
Lynda was a beautiful pillar of strength to both her family and community. Along life’s path she walked with exceptional grace, touching the lives of many people in unexpected ways. She loved others unconditionally and reflected God’s light in this world by warming the hearts of those around her with profound kindness. Lynda was a devout Christian and exemplified her faith in all that she did in life. She always looked for the best in people, and rarely criticized or said anything negative about anyone. Lynda deeply cared for people, especially those who faced adversity in life. It was not unusual for her to help a total stranger to purchase groceries and clothes or to pay a fee at a walk-in clinic for a sick child to receive medical care. She was a thoughtful listener and trusted confidant who devoted time to helping people with various problems and troubling circumstances. Lynda loved to laugh and used her keen sense of humor to brighten moments throughout daily life. She was an avid golfer and participated in a several golf tournaments over the years with her many friends.
Lynda had a deep love for her family. She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 20 years, Grover; daughters Kimberley Brothers of Cordova, TN; Donna Garcia of Collierville, Tenn.; Sally Shannon of Asheville, N.C. and Stacy Tammi (John) of Chapel Hill, N.C. In addition, she is survived by two sons Ray Shepherd of Dumas Ark.; and Jay Shannon of Memphis. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Two sisters Bobbye Ann Mosley (Billy) of Foley, Ala., and Myra Rogers (Paul) of Vicksburg and one brother Floyd Ellingburg (Jackie) of Southaven also survive. She is preceded in death by her father Trinton Ellingburg, her mother Merry O’Neal Ellingburg, and her son-in-law Anthony (Tony) Garcia.
A celebration of Lynda’s life will be held at Collierville United Methodist Church, 454 W. Poplar Avenue, Collierville, Tenn., on Tuesday June 18th. Family time with Lynda will be from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m. officiated by the Rev. Christy Brown. After the service, lunch will be provided in the church dining hall. A graveside service is planned for 3 p.m. at Coahoma Memorial Gardens in Clarksdale. Pallbearers are Anthony Garcia, Alex Garcia, John Scott Shepherd, Jordan Jones, Andrew Trichon and Bill Garmon. Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home of Clarksdale is in charge of burial arrangements.
Lynda would appreciate any memorials be sent to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to Collierville United Methodist Church.
