Ann Pennell Shannon

Ann Pennell Shannon of Midlothian, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022. She was born Ann Carol Pennell to William Alfred and Madge Pollard Pennell in Richmond, on July 6, 1932. She was preceded in death by her mother and father and her husband of 68 years, Preston Caperton Shannon. She is survived by her sons Robert Preston Shannon (Sharon) of Midlothian and William Pennell Shannon (Karen) of Glen Allen; grandchildren Rob (Amy), Ricky (Becca), Dina, and Oleg; and great-grandchildren, Natalie, Preston, Will, and Imogene.

Ann graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond in 1949 and the College of William and Mary in 1953. On June 15, 1953, she married Preston Shannon. The couple moved to Chicago in 1953 and then to Baltimore in 1954 where she gave birth to Robert (Bob) Shannon in 1957. They moved back to Richmond later in 1957 where she gave birth to William (Bill) Shannon in 1959.

Always one to be in touch with her creative side, Ann enjoyed playing the piano and organ and singing in the choir for Bon Air Presbyterian and, later, Crestwood Presbyterian Church. She and her husband returned to Bon Air Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed playing handbells, singing in the choir and writing music for the church. She also enjoyed painting, decorative crafts, writing, and was a bit of a shutterbug, taking many photos and movies of family, friends, and colorful scenery. She also had a knack for making Christmas special for everyone else through attention to detail, thoughtfulness, and creativity.

She loved beaches and getting in or on the water, whether at a pool, family or friend’s river cottage, in a boat, or at the ocean. While she didn’t care for flying, she did take a few trips by air and enjoyed reliving those adventures for years to come. She also traveled to Scotland and England on the Queen Mary and enjoyed all aspects of that trip as well. She and her husband also enjoyed numerous trips around the eastern U.S. and Canada.

She was a member of Willow Oaks Country Club where she enjoyed playing tennis and the company of the friends she made there over more than 40 years. She was also a long-time member of The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club.

Ann will be remembered at a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bon Air Presbyterian Church, bonairpc.org.