Geneva (Lathrom) Shannon, daughter of the late Silas and Senora (Clark) Lathrom, was born Aug. 12, 1929, in Wright County near Rayborn, and passed away May 16, 2021, in Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove, at 91 years, 9 months and 4 days of age. Geneva grew up around Rayborn, but lived in different areas before moving to Mountain Grove. Geneva raised two girls and one son. Life was hard, but God always provided. Geneva began babysitting when her children were young which turned into a daycare business in her home. She later worked in a few area restaurants before becoming employed at Fordick Corporation where she worked for 10 years. This is where she met and married Albert Shannon, whom she married after three short weeks. At first, her youngest daughter, Loretta, who was 14 at the time, was not happy about this new development, but they had 23 years together before the Lord took him home. Geneva’s favorite pastimes included going on short trips with Albert, going on picnics, working in her garden and planting flowers, and most of all, visiting with her children and grandchildren.
When her children were growing up, she could often be found outside playing games with her kids which is how she ended up breaking her ankle by slipping in the mud one time.
Church was a big part of her life. She enjoyed attending as long as she was able to. She was saved and baptized in 1975. She attended Calvary Temple Church in Mountain Grove and later attended a few other churches.
Geneva is survived by two daughters, Sharon Carder, of Mountain Grove, and Loretta Holden and her husband, Gary, of Cabool; five grandchildren, Dalena, Francelia, Bobby, Selena and Tanya; six great-grandchildren, Nicollette, Austin, Paul, Shayla, Jaden and Audrey; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends who will dearly miss her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Senora Lathrom; her husband, Albert Shannon; one son, Dwain Coble; and six sisters. We all have 91 years full of memories.
Mom will be greatly missed. Visitation for Geneva Shannon was held Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Funeral services followed the visitation at 2:30 p.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Morris officiating. Song selections were “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” “Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word)” and “The Other Side.” Gary Holden, Wes Masterson, James Cochran, Gary Carder, Jeff Volner, Rodney Lathrom and Earl Suggs served as pallbearers. Russell Dean, Troy Minds and Marshall Dean served as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
