Thelma Shannon peacefully completed more than 100 remarkable revolutions around the sun when she passed away on June 23rd, surrounded by the love of family in the home she shared with her daughter, Barbara, and grandson, Warren.

Thelma was born on April 9, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph Hiram Parnell (1900–1987) and Emma Hazel Parnell (1899–2000). She was one of three daughters born to this union, alongside Hazel H. Bruce and Eleanor Young, both of whom preceded her in death.

From an early age, Thelma attended West End Gospel Hall, where she was nurtured by a community of faith while carrying forward the love, strength, and values she learned from her devoted parents. Thelma attended St. Louis Public Schools, and graduated from Charles Sumner High School in 1945. During her school years, she discovered a lifelong love of poetry, often reciting “Invictus” for friends and family.

In 1946, Thelma met the love of her life, Warren Shannon, at a dance. Their chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted 67 years. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with two daughters, Bettyanne and Barbara.

Following high school, Thelma began her career as a nursing assistant at Barnes Hospital. After becoming a mother, she stepped away from nursing to work as a nanny, allowing her more time to care for her young daughters. When the time was right, she returned to Barnes Hospital, where she continued pursuing her passion for nursing.

Determined to further her education, Thelma graduated from the St. Louis Board of Education's Licensed Practical Nursing program in 1968 at the age of 42. She dedicated the next 25 years to caring for women and newborns in gynecology and maternity nursing before choosing to leave her profession to care for her aging parents. It was a decision that reflected the same compassion, devotion, and selfless spirit that defined both her nursing career and her life.

Thelma was especially proud of being among the first African American employees at Barnes Hospital, helping to open doors for those who followed. Her dedication, professionalism, and perseverance left a lasting legacy both within the hospital and throughout the community.

With a century of life experiences behind her, Thelma was a spirited woman with a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that left a lasting impression. She had a remarkable gift for making people laugh, sharing memorable stories, reciting favorite poems, and reminding those around her of the beauty and richness of life’s experiences. Her warmth, wit, and enduring spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Thelma leaves to cherish her precious memory her two daughters, Bettyanne and Barbara; her granddaughter, Rachel, and grandson-in-law, Marvin; her grandson, Warren; her two great-grandchildren, Khalil and Autumn; and a host of beloved cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.