Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church near Coffeeville for Mrs. Martha Jean Orr Shannon, 95, of Coffeeville, who died on Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Charleston. Burial followed in Montevista Cemetery in Webster County. The Rev. Billy Hill officiated and her grandson, Brian Barton, delivered the eulogy. The family received friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday, Nov. 29, at New Hope Baptist Church.
Mrs. Shannon was born on March 10, 1930, in Webster County, the daughter of the late John and the late Alma Williams Orr. She retired from Kellwood in Coffeeville and was a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church. She found joy in the simple, meaningful things of life — gardening, tending to her flowers, sewing and quilting.
Above all, Mrs. Shannon was a devoted mother and grandmother whose greatest happiness came from the time she spent with her family. Her gentle spirit, steadfast love and quiet strength will be cherished always by those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, her husbands, Henry Smith and Rex Shannon; one daughter, Joan Shannon Pierce; one son, Elvin Smith, and 14 siblings, preceded Mrs. Shannon in death.
Survivors include, two daughters, Ann Barton (Terry) of Grenada and Charlotte Shannon Pierce of Kenton, Tenn.; two sons, Wayne Smith of Coffeeville and Tommy Shannon (Ruth) of Nesbit; one sister, Sarah Ruth Patridge of Gulfport; daughter-in-law, Judy Dorris Harwell; son-in-law, Polk Pierce; 11 grandchildren, Jodie Denley, Brian Barton, Andrea Barton, Mara Greer, Ashley Foster, Rita Cooper, Sherry Page, Keith Pierce, Tim Pierce, Stefanie Carter and Akesha Calder, and nine great grandchildren.
Justin Ayers, Steven Ayers, Danny Dorris, Dennis Dorris, Nick Foster, Nick Greer, Scottie Jones and Ray Schmitz III honored Mrs. Shannon by serving as pallbearers.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
