Elizabeth Shannon

Born in 1932, Betty lived in Garden City, NY until attending and graduating from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT and Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Betty spent her twenties living with friends in New York City, working at Young and Rubicam and Steuben Glass.

In 1960, while attending a friend’s wedding, Betty met a handsome groomsman from Virginia named Jack, whom she married in 1962. Betty often shared with humor the culture shock of moving from the Big Apple to begin her life with Jack in the small city of Roanoke, VA, where they lived for 22 years raising three children. While in Roanoke, Betty was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, served on the Board of Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg, VA, and donated her time working with the visually impaired. When not caring for her children or engaged in community activities, Betty could often be found with friends at the bridge table or on the tennis court. With a fierce competitive streak and natural talent, Betty often emerged victorious in local tennis tournaments, executing drop shots with such precision that opponents often could do nothing but watch.

In 1982, Betty and Jack moved to Norfolk, VA, where Betty continued many of the same interests, actively engaging in the community of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, serving on the Board of Westminster Canterbury in Virginia Beach, working with the visually impaired, leading fundraising efforts at her children’s school, Norfolk Academy, driving cancer patients to chemotherapy appointments through Lee’s Friends, and participating as a member of the Ruth Sargeant Circle in support of the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. She continued her passion for tennis and bridge, broadening her social circle as she genuinely and effortlessly connected with the many women engaged in these activities with her. After Jack’s retirement in 1996, Betty and Jack enjoyed extensive travel – whether internationally to destinations on their bucket list, to New York for opera and theater, or to visit friends and family around the country – they enjoyed 25 years of relaxation, good health and well-being together.

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Betty and Jack moved to Southminster retirement community in Charlotte, NC to be closer to family. During their years in Charlotte, Betty enjoyed many friendships, from dear neighbors in her building, to fellow Long Islanders, to her beloved bridge group. And, perhaps most significantly, Betty enjoyed near daily visits and outings with her devoted children.

Over the course of her life, Betty exuded grace, spirit, and an engaging presence. She was a loyal and supportive companion to Jack for 62 years, a devoted mother to her three children, and an exceptionally fun grandmother (“Boodsie”) to her five grandchildren. From competitive games of bowling and Yahtzee, to zoo trips, to hopping in the swimming pool, to riding down waterpark slides, Betty loved to have fun with her family. With her sharp wit, abundant sense of humor, and signature bright-colored lipstick, Betty lit up any room she entered. She was a dear friend and confidante to many and will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Betty is predeceased by her loving husband, Jack. She is survived by her son, Scott Shannon (Edie); her daughter, Elizabeth Blalock; her daughter, Sandra Livingston (Brian); and her grandchildren, Jack (Morgan) and Anne Shannon, Thomas Blalock, and Tucker and Jane Livingston.

Betty will be laid to rest with Jack in the St. John’s Episcopal Church Columbarium in Roanoke, VA.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the kind and caring staff at Southminster for all the love and support shown to both Betty and Jack during the last years of their lives.

A memorial service in celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Southminster Chapel, 8919 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC, with a reception to follow on the Southminster campus. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Betty’s memory, please consider engagement with a non-profit of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com