Mrs. Odessa McKenzie Shannon

Born on July 4, 1928 to Gladys and Raymond McKenzie, Odessa Shannon has led an extraordinary life of accomplishments, advocacy and commitment to public service, Valedictorian of her Dunbar High school class, Dean’s List at Smith College, Northampton Massachusetts, National Program Director, Senior Executive, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, retired from the federal government and rose to Senior Executive in Montgomery County government, first woman Special Assistant to the County Executive, then Deputy Director the Department of Family, and retired as Director of the County’ s Office of Human Rights.

Her passion about education, especially that of African American students, led her to campaign for a seat on the Board of Education. Her success marked the first election of an African American woman in a political policy- making position in Montgomery County., Deemed a “living legend” during her lifetime, she is credited with encouraging and opening the doors for many more African Americans seeking political office in the County.

She received numerous awards throughout her career for her many accomplishments and advocacy, including the Lifetime Achievement award for volunteerism from President Obama, the Distinguished Community Leadership Award from County Executive Leggett, Maryland’s Hornbook award and the MCPS award for Distinguished Service to Public Education from the Board of Education, NAACP (Washington Committee) Legal Defense and Educational award for Exceptional Achievement in Advancing the Rights of Minorities and Women, ,and the Outstanding Commitment to Community Service from the Montgomery County Democratic Committee. She is also listed in several Who’s Who publications.

A strong advocate for human and civil rights, and knowing the sacrifices and hardships encountered by those who also were pioneers, she created the Human Rights Hall of Fame, embodied in the statue carved by a student from Montgomery College, located in the entrance of the Executive Office building. Bronze plaques contain the names of those inducted biannually. She also created the Human Rights Diversity Camp that brings together students from diverse racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds for a shared weekend experience in interracial and intercultural understanding, exposure to diversity concepts, cultural competencies, and team building skills.

Although active politically and engaged in civic activities, her first loves were her children, Mark (deceased) and Lisa. Engaged in their many activities, she served as President of the local Jack and Jill chapter and then as Regional Director of the Eastern Region. Mark graduated from Springfield College, Springfield Mass, Lisa. Magna Cum Laude from Howard University. Both children were academically and athletically gifted and her pride and joy.

Next to her family were her closest and longtime friends, Ruby Rubens, Juanetta Curl, Helen Holston, Cemora Newsome and Lillie Fitzgerald who were anchors during all storms.

Her hobbies were bridge, travel and painting.

Known for her kindness, grace, dignity, keen mind, and mostly her smile, Odessa will be sorely missed.

Her stories will be shared, they will be remembered, and others will find inspiration in the way they live their life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to Colesville Methodist Church or to The Shannon Fund via LPL Financial, which awards academic scholarships. A virtual Celebration of Life will be live-streamed from Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, Saturday, May 30 at 11:00. To post a memory: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/silver-spring-md/odessa-shannon-9187103

Join Odessa M. Shannon Funeral Service via Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84440582414?pwd=K3VFNUl4amRqZFpTbWhvcVBkUlc0QT09

Meeting ID: 844 4058 2414 (5010323246)

Password: 113134 (2420)

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,84440582414# US (Germantown)

+13126266799,,84440582414# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 844 4058 2414

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kd4VZCdwDA

Use the following instructions to get the best out of your viewing experience:

1. Once you have logged in to Zoom, click on “View Options” at the top of the screen.

2. When the drop down appears, click on “Side-by-side mode.”

3. At top right of screen, select “Speaker View.”

4. You should now have two views on the screen. If they’re not of equal size, move your cursor across the screen until a 2-way directional arrow appears. Left click on the directional, hold mouse button down, and move directional until it is in the center of the screen.