Josephine Shannon

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Josephine Berney Shannon. She was born as the only child of Milton and Victoria Berney in Mobile, AL on October 30th 1941. As a young girl Josephine moved to Cincinnati, OH with her father. She was welcomed by “Mama Sarah” who eventually mothered her brothers Milton “Billy” Phillips and Melvin Phillips.

Shortly after graduating from Robert A Taft High School, Josephine gave birth to her first born Roxanne Berney on November 6th 1959. Two years later, on November 22nd 1961, she gave birth to her second daughter Rochelle Berney. In 1974 Josephine married the love of her life, John B. Shannon (who was fondly referred to as “Big John”).

Josephine was blessed with her first grandchild Yolanda Berney in 1975. She loved her family and cared for her “Yo-Yo” as her own. Josephine enjoyed many years working at Frisch’s Big Boy and took even more joy in bringing some of her grandchildren to work with her on occasion. Ultimately, Josephine moved on to “day work” in prominent communities until the passing of her dear husband, “Big John” in 1988. She was devastated by his death which caused her to grow very distant from everyone she cared for. It was the passing of her good friend, Ron, that helped her refocus on the family she loved so much.

Josephine was an excellent grandmother! She shared with them her love for cooking and good music which usually led to her “Sherman Hemsley” dancing right in the middle of the kitchen. She was also very passionate towards her church family at New Life Outreach Center. They fondly refer to her as simply, “Mother”.

Preceding Josephine’s sunset on November 23rd, 2021 was her brothers both Milton “Billy” and Melvin, as well as her daughter, Roxanne (2016). She leaves to carry on her legacy her daughter: Rochelle Berney; her niece: Tina Williams; her grandchildren: Yolanda Berney, Kenya R. Williams, Jerome M. Berney, Harold J. Berney, and Jonda J. Berney Brown (Darnell); 12 great-grandchildren; and one great- great-grandchild. Although it’s difficult for us to let her go, we all know Josephine is up there cooking up a storm in heaven. We thank God for her resilient spirit of love and laughter that will live on through us all.
 

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