Clara Mae Shannon

Clara Mae Shannon, age 96, of Grand Rapids Michigan was called to her eternal resting place with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 6, 2026. Clara Mae is the daughter of Les Anderson and Ethel Hardley and was born in Vardaman, Mississippi. Years later Clara Mae relocated to Stanwood Michigan and eventually settled in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Clara was a servant leader. She was employed at Fox Meadow Apartments, the Cleaners as a laundry pressor, and College Apartments on College Street where she retired in 1990. After retirement, Clara began volunteering at Gerontology Network as a senior companion. Although Clara was a seasoned senior herself, she enjoyed providing a level of comfort for seniors who may not had family or friends to visit. Clara became their family, their friend, and their comforter.

Clara believed that a blessing was only complete when it was shared. She did not hoard her goodness. She scattered it everywhere she went, and we are all richer for it. And she gave. Oh, how she gave. Whether it was her time, her words, her hands, or her heart — Clara believed that a blessing was only complete when it was shared.

Many of us grew up at her table, watching her pull the golden lemon muffins from the oven like it was the most natural thing in the world. And in a way, it was — because Clara made lemon muffins for everyone; family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. This was another way Clara said I love you. Every bite carried her warmth, love, and respect.

Clara loved to fish; she sewed with steady, practiced hands. She crocheted warmth into every stitch — blankets, scarves, gifts that still live in our homes today. And her garden — her garden was a reflection of who she was- generous and nurturing often times giving the vegetables away. Clara did it all, and she did it with joy.

Clara loved her family and poured her whole heart into her children to the best of her ability, and that love only multiplied with every generation that followed. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest treasure — she delighted in them, prayed for them. She would often say, “I love all my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren”. To some she was Momma, others Granny, and best known as Granny Granny! Family was not just something Clara had, it was something she built, a legacy to which she fiercely cherished every day of her 96 years.

Clara Shannon was led to the Lord by Sis. Flo Griffin under the leadership of Pastor Starlon of Washington of Community Bible Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Clara accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior at the age of 60 years old. Clara also held membership at Blessed Hope Bible Church, in Grand Rapids Michigan (Pastor Stanley Floyd Sr.) until her health and the challenge of driving became difficult. Clara last attended New Life Tabernacle Church of God in Christ (Pastor Dr. James C. Stokes). Clara’s faith was the foundation of everything. She did not fear death, because she never lost sight of where she was going. In her own words, she told us not to cry over her — because she would be with the Lord. And we hold onto that. We hold onto it tight. Clara— even in her final gift to us, she was thinking of us, protecting our hearts, leaving us with peace instead of grief.

Mrs. Clara Mae Shannon age 96, of Grand Rapids, passed away on May 6, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Les Anderson and Ethel Harley; husband, Eugene Shannon Sr; sons, Eugene Shannon Jr. and Clarence Sanders Jr.; daughter, Lucille Sanders; brothers, TL (Ora- special sister in-law) Anderson, Lee Connor, and Warren Anderson; and sons-in-law, James Mallory and John Adams. Clara Mae Shannon is survived by her daughters, Dorothy Mallory, Martha (Donald) Walker, and Geneva Adams; son, Robert Shannon Sr; 25 grandchildren: Cynthia Mallory, Shelby (Keegan) McCullough, Pamela Sease, Robert Sanders, Clarence Sanders, William Sanders, Kathleen Sanders, Wandette Sanders, Lynnell Talbert, Tracy (Rufus) Clark, Mya Walker, Justin Walker, Christine Dailey, Fred Carson, Gidgette Carson, John Bland, Tiffany Bland, Desiree Howard, Darnell Howard, Michelle Sanders, Michael Sanders, Gregory (Erika) Kinglsey, Robert (May) Shannon Jr., Marquis Kingsley, and Jamario Shannon; 75 great grandchildren, over 118 great-great grandchildren and a host of great-great-great grandchildren; sister, Addie Mae Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, special cousin Gloria (Edwin) Long, and special cousin Gertie. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at New Life Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, 1441 Leonard St NE. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the start of the service. Interment in Stanwood Cemetery. Celebrate Clara’s life by sharing a favorite memory or photo on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com