Donna Shannon Obituary

Donna Sue Shannon, 83 of Memphis, TN, peacefully entered the fullness of life the evening of July 4, 2022.

Donna Sue was born on February 13,1939 in Memphis, TN, to Patrick Bomar and Nell Mae Sanders.

Her mother, Nell had many brothers and sisters, so Donna Sue learned the value of family at an early age. Even towards the end of her earthly life she still spoke of that deep love and commitment to her family. She suffered from many illnesses as a child, but persevered. She was an absolute warrior in all aspects of her life. The one thing that never failed her growing up was her intelligence and her work ethic. So, she excelled in school always making A's. She graduated from Whitehaven High School '57 and maintained a special friendship with her high school friend group. After graduation her parents put her on a train and sent her to the University of Knoxville where she excelled through her junior year and was awarded the UT Merit Scholarship, Sorority Scholarship Award and was the Campus YWCA President. She eventually moved back to Memphis and earned a B.A., Speech and Psychology and M.A., Rhetoric, Public Address and Broadcasting both from Memphis State University.

Soon after moving back to Memphis, Donna Sue found herself right in the middle of the Civil Rights movement. This is where she really discovered who she was meant to become. Her commitment to make the world a better place had begun. She was a rule follower but found herself in underground meetings trying to make a plan during the curfew after Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. Her commitment to her community, empowering women, ending racial and religious prejudice was in motion. Even though she never expected these awards and recognitions there are numerous. Here are a few: Martin Luther King, Jr. 2017 Be The Dream Legacy Award; Women of Achievement, 2000 Vision Award; Wilson Learning Corporation 2000 Pacesetter Award; Memphis Woman Magazine, 2000 "50 Women Who Make a Difference"; Women's Foundation for Greater Memphis, 1999 Mertie Buckman Empowerment Award; YWCA, 1998 Mertie Buckman Community Service Award; Leadership Memphis class of '92; NCCJ, 1990 Community Service Award for Women's Rights.

Employment includes teaching speech at Memphis State, realtor, Church Women United, UT Interfaith Center, Creative Consultant, Moderator on WKNO, Community Education Director for the Epilepsy Foundation, Panel of American Women, Director of Training and Development for both MLGW and Budget Rent a Car Corporate, President of Key Consultants, Director of Educational Services at Regional Medical Center.

Never was Donna Sue lacking in hobbies, interest, sports or activities. She was the family member that kept up with everyone particularly her Sanders Clan. She would gather info, type it up and share the updates via snail mail and later on email. This was all prior to social media. She loved the color purple and Irises were her favorite flower. She enjoyed planting bulbs in the fall and loved nature in general. Her passions were theatre, the Grizzlies, holidays and decorating for each and every holiday, very apropos that her transition occurred on the 4th of July. Travel was at the top of the list of interests with Maui being one of the favs. Donna Sue was an avid reader. She read for the Public Library on the radio. She loved jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She was an excellent speller. Her family was always at the center of her world, and she enjoyed planning and creating wonderful memories with her children and grandchildren. She believed in life experiences, so she would often take her children and grandchildren to the opera, symphony, ballet, theater, historical site, zoo, a museum or on a trip. She loved her family dearly including her son-in-law and daughter-in-law. She had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren.

Describing her as charitable would be an understatement. Donna Sue was always involved in her church, kids' schools and activities, and much more. She loved "her" City of Memphis and loved her community and strived to make a difference. She worked hard and gave freely of her time, talents and monies. She was involved in organizations that empowered women, fought for equal rights, and/or helped to alleviate racial, social and religious prejudices and injustices. Basically, worked to make our community/world a better place. This is where she found "her" likeminded people and made lifelong friends. Here are a few organizations that reaped her work: Panel of American Women Panelist, Facilitator, New Member Training, Speech Advisor, Radio Show Coordinator; P.T.A. Board member at 4 different schools as chaplain, membership chairperson, program chairman, vice president; NCCJ Advisory Committee; Rebecca Memorial United Methodist Church; Church Women United; The Kidney Foundation of Western TN-Board of Directors for 5 years, Secretary, Executive Board, National Convention Delegate Trustee, Chairperson of Nominating Committee, Project Director for City-wide Swim-a-thon as creator, organizer, and implementor, Legislative Committee, and Co-Chair of Long Range Planning Committee; Beale Street Repertory Company Board of Directors and much more; Theatre Memphis Standing Co-Chair of Props Committee, Stage Set; Memphis Athletic Club Women's Board- Public Relations Chair, Women's President, representative on Board of governors, Swim Team Parents' Club President; Campaign Coordinator and involvement in various campaigns and conferences; YWCA Board President, Peer Group Chair-Leadership Institute, Chair Advisory Committee; Church of the River-Chair Membership, Co-Chair Annual Funding; Fairway Towers-Chair Safety Committee; NETWORK Board; last but not least Playhouse on the Square. Playhouse became her second family and held a very special place in her heart. These were "her" people and she loved them dearly. As you can see saying she was involved in her community would be an understatement.

I believe we can safely declare that the world is a better place because Donna Sue left her mark and made a positive impact. She had a way about her that was inclusive, and people felt comfortable and accepted around her. She had a smile that would light up a room. She had a few sayings that many may never forget and will most likely continue for generations to come:

Grandmother Sanders said to her, "Suzie, no one ever promised you fair." Donna Sue said to her daughter, "Don't you know that everyone is weird, but us."

Many times, was heard saying, "Flow with the go, my daughter taught me that." Often said, "You don't have to think alike to love alike." She would say, "It is important to be well read, well-educated and well-traveled." She also wrote a song titled; I am a Blue Collared Woman in a White Collared World. If you think about it those are ALL profound statements.

What was most important to Donna Sue? Her faith, family, service, community/City of Memphis, gatherings, chocolate and a little champagne!

It's no accident that the Memorial Service will be on the 13th. It pretty much brings her time here full circle. If you knew Donna Sue most likely you knew she loved the number 13. Here is why: She was born on the 13th; her mother and daughter were both born on the 13th. Her Daddy and Mother were married on the 13th, Donna Sue Bomar is 13 letters. She had 13 visitors the first day of her life. There are probably other examples. And now her beautiful soul will be celebrated on the 13th.

Donna Sue is survived by her husband, Wayne Shannon; children, Rex (Mary) Munsey, Pamela (Nick) Buoni, Amy Shannon (Chris Boyer), Adam (Lu) Shannon; grandchildren, Katelyn (Jack) Lenhart, Camilla (Wade) Proctor, Nicky (Allie) Buoni, Isaac Boyer, Tripp Munsey and Francesca Buoni; 4 great-grandchildren, Chessa Proctor, Aria Lenhart, Raylan Proctor, and Gabriel Buoni; brothers, Pat (Edna) Bomar, Jr. and Bill (Barbara) Bomar, and niece Anita (Don) Shiver.

Donna Sue was preceded in death by her parents; many aunts and uncles most recently her dear uncle, Dr. James Sanders; brother, Walter West, Jr.; niece, Lisa Krampf.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 2:00pm with a visitation following. Church of the River 292 Virginia Ave. Memphis, TN 38103

Donations can be made to Church of the River churchoftheriver.org, Trezevant Foundation trezevantmanor.org, or a place of your choosing.

Words that describe Donna Sue: Matriarch, positive, loving, smiling, caring, trailblazer, thoughtful, thespian, sophisticated, spiritual, encourager, warrior, classy, accepting, trustworthy, difference maker, beautiful.

A Life Well Lived
by Anonymous
A life well lived is precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
Its filled with moments,
sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living and lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure.

Eternal rest grant unto Donna Sue, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul
and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.