Gene Shannon

Mr. Gene Shannon went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 18, 2020 at St. Barnard’s Hospital. He was born on April 24, 1940, the first of ten children to Willie & Lillie (Brown) Shannon in Forsythe, GA.

Gene was raised and attended school in Birmingham, AL. He loved singing and sang Gospel Quartet, traveling all around the country. He began his singing career when he was 16 years old with McMillan Jr. He Joined the Golden Eagles, Birmingham, AL in 1959. Gene Moved to Saginaw, MI in July of 1965 and joined the Bright Stars while working at the General Motors Malleable Plant.

Gene moved to Chicago, IL in the early 80’s. He attended Greater Rock of Ages Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Jones. Gene was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous where he became sober on July 11, 1988 through Englewood Community Health Organization (ECHO).

He leaves to cherish his memory, a daughter, Tammy Johnson, Saginaw, MI. Two Grandchildren, Tyrus Miller and Fateya Miller, Saginaw, MI. Two Great-Grandchildren, Jashon Caston and Janaire White, Saginaw, MI. One brother, Nelson (Annie) Shannon, Albany, GA. Four Sisters, Linda Shannon, Rosa (Lawrence) Baylor, Gwendolyn Gatson, all of Birmingham, AL and Lillian Dotson, Montgomery, AL., Aunts, Mary Alice Beverly, Atlanta, GA, Annie Mildred Brown, Forsythe, GA., Sister-In-Law, Annette Shannon, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including The Boys to Men Twelve Step Program, Gloria Hines & Family, and Roosevelt Cooper.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, Willie & Lillie Shannon, companion, Anna Pearl Bell, brothers, Allen, Willie Frank, and Terry Shannon, Sister, Jenny Lee White, Aunts, Mattie Barkley, Willie Lee Hansford, Uncles, Eddie, Sammie, & Walter Brown.

The family would like to thank Bernice Smith, Tommie McGee and the staff and residents of Naomi and Sylvester Smith Senior Living Center for their help, care and concern.