Lavada Howard Shannon was born January 23, 1931 to Azo Howard and James Ella Estes Howard in Plantersville, MS. Lavada loved praising God in song and hearing the preached word. She worked tirelessly for the Lord. Her uncanny knack for making people feel loved is legendary. Lavada held a passion for teaching children about the love of God.
At an early age she confessed Jesus as her Savior and united with New Zion M.B. Church in Plantersville, MS where she remained faithful until death. She was a Sunday school, mission, and Baptist Training Union teacher. She served on the kitchen committee and anywhere else help was needed. Lavada was very active in the local Springhill District Association, General Progressive State Convention and National Baptist Convention in many capacities. Singing was her special gift. She sang at numerous funerals, church programs, and banquets. She was a member of the church choir for 80 years. She served as assistant choir director for a number of years. Lavada was well known for her rendition of “Move On Up A Little Higher”. When she sang that particular song, the anointing of Christ was undeniable. She sang with such a strong conviction and belief. There is no doubt that she has met the Lily of the Valley, she’s sight-seeing in Beulah and is feasting with the Rose of Sharon!
Lavada married Sanders Shannon on May 25, 1946 and to this union six children were born. She lived a simple life but it had a monumental impact on others. Lavada was called home on October 20, 2022 at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, Mississippi. As she makes her new home in Zion, she leaves to cherish the memories of her life: devoted daughter Adell E. “Dot” Shannon; dedicated sons Sextus A. Shannon (Dorothy Jean), Shelton T. Shannon (Karen), and Winston E. Shannon (Barbara) all of Plantersville, MS. She also leaves son-in-law James Armstrong, daughter-in-law Daphne Shannon Lane, nieces who she helped rear Janice Walker, Linda Walker, Beverly Howard and Sandra Howard; and step mother Hattie Howard. She will be greatly missed by her beloved sixteen grandchildren, forty-six great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, God sent son Michael Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding her in death is husband Sanders, daughter Barbara Shannon Armstrong; son Howard Shannon; sisters Savannah Smith, Geneva Cannon, Ruby Ella Little, Fleur Mabry, Ellen Clay, and Franzetta Howard; brothers Arthur Howard and Norman Howard; Parents Azo and James Ella Estes Howard, paternal grandparents Frank and Mariah Howard; maternal grandparents James (Pawpaw) and Savannah Carter Estes, great grandson Jeremiah Flakes and great, great granddaughter Harper Denton.
