Jacqueline Yvonne Shannon

Jacqueline Yvonne "Patsy" Shannon was born on December 3rd, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri to Verddie Shannon (Perryman). She spent her early years in Kansas City until the family moved to Coffeyville Kansas where she would spend the remainder of her childhood. She accepted Christ at an early age at Calvary Baptist Church. Jacqueline did spend her life loving the Lord. Jacqueline was blessed with a sharp mind and a wealth of knowledge. Though small in stature, she had a big personality and was never afraid to stand her ground. She could be quite a pistol at times. She never went looking for a fight, but if one found her, she certainly knew how to finish it, no matter the size of the person standing in front of her. Her strength, determination, and spirited nature were all part of what made Jacqueline unforgettable. Jacqueline married Arthur Cortez in 1964. They had three children, Michael, Michelle, and Malcolm. While Jacqueline poured herself into her family, she never gave up the dream of completing college. She graduated with a Bachelors of Communications in 1979 from the University of Evansville and a Masters of Public Administration from Indiana University in 1983. She moved to Florida in 1990, where her love of deep-sea fishing evolved. She purchased a boat, where she and Michael spent a good many weekends in the gulf coast catching various creatures and learning to cook every one. Her later years were spent devoted to granddaughters Vivienne & Adrienne who affectionately referred to her as "Gankee." She lived to see the youngest graduate high school and go off to college, which she repeatedly stated was her goal. She spent her life advocating for people and causes she believed in. From civil rights protests in the 60's, to an unjustly imprisoned woman in the 80's and her lifelong work in the EEO field, Jacqueline was determined to make a difference in the lives of all people. Jacqueline is preceded in death by her parents, Verddie and Eddie Shannon, and James D Shannon. Son Malcolm C. Cortez. Siblings Marsha Shannon, James (Bo) Shannon, William (Billy) Shannon, Katrina Shannon, Nancy Shannon, & Mark Anthony Shannon. She is survived by children Michael K Cortez, Michelle Hill (DeWayne), grandchildren Vivienne & Adrienne Hill. Siblings, Debra Debro (Doyle), Eddie (Buddy) Shannon (Ollindia), Yvonne Shannon, Ricardo (Ricky) Shannon, Sherri Shannon, and Kimberly Scott. Along with several nieces and nephews who will all miss her dearly.