Melody Lou Shannon Smith-Tunstell

Melody was born on December 22, 1953, in Racine, to John L. Shannon and the late Eva Blanche Caldwell Shannon. She departed this life on October 10, 2008, at Ohio State University Hospital Est in Columbus, Ohio, after a lengthy illness. She accepted Christ at an early age as a member of 12th St. Grace Temple Church. As an adult she was a member of Greater Grace Church in Racine and St. John's Church in Mansfield, OH.

She is survived by her father, John L. Shannon Jr. of Memphis, TN; siblings, Kathy Shannon of Atlanta, GA, Maxine Shannon, Margaret (Jerry) Smith and John L. Shannon III of Racine, and Gracie M. Shannon of Lewis Center, OH; children, Shalane Yvonne Smith of Racine, Frank Smith Jr. of Madison, WI, and Shyiee Nicole (Metric) Campbell II of Mansfield, OH; and 13 grandchildren. Along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Willie Jane and John L. Shannon Sr., and Jack and Katherine Caldwell; mother, Eva Blanche Caldwell Shannon; godmother, Gracie Perry; and sister, Louise McKinney Woods.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 17, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m. A Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday at Greater Grace Church, 522 N. Memorial Dr., at 9:30 a.m. with Rev. Jettie Cornett officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Kinzie Avenue

Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home
803 Main St., Racine (212)634-7888