Shannon Ellen Nealon

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shannon Ellen Nealon on April 24th, 2025, at the age of 61 in Dallas, Texas. Born on August 6th, 1963 in Duncanville, Texas, Shannon’s gentle spirit, sparkling smile, kind heart, and unwavering strength and devotion to her family and friends left an unforgettable radiance on all those she came across. To know Shannon was to genuinely love her.

Shannon was born into an Irish Catholic family, the youngest of nine children and younger sister to her twin brother, Shawn. As the youngest of nine, Shannon and Shawn were frequently referred to as Donny and Marie Osmond, and they shared many fond memories together, such as collaborating on (and getting caught) sharing answers in their first grade classroom. Shannon went on to attend Duncanville High School where her classmates voted her “Most Beautiful” four years in a row, Homecoming Queen, and, as her family most proudly notes, “Miss Smiley.”

Shannon was the epitome of beauty and brains. At the age of 16, Shannon snuck into college classes at the University of Houston to take notes for her older sister, Esther. She later attended the University of North Texas where she studied Computer Science and Business Information Systems and happily served as a “little sister” to the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

In 1987, Shannon started work as an Information Systems Programmer at PepsiCo Frito-Lay, where she met the love of her life, Tom Nealon, also an Irish Catholic and one of nine children. After their first date, Shannon and Tom sat on his back patio beneath the bright Texas stars and talked about life until 3 AM. Shannon vividly recalled the story of her going home to her mother, Monica, and telling her, “I met the one.”

Shannon and Tom married in 1992 at St. Rita Catholic Church and had three beautiful children: Jessica, Tommy, and Annie. Unwavering love and commitment to each other defined their 33-year-long marriage. From the very beginning, Tom lovingly called Shannon his yellow rose of Texas. Second only to their faith, the cornerstone of their marriage were the words, “Through thick and thin, we remain one.” Being a wife and mother were Shannon’s greatest joys. Over the years, Shannon made sure to leave no “I love you” left unsaid to her husband and three kids.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Shannon drew strength and courage from our Lord throughout her entire life, but most profoundly during her 15-year-long battle with brain cancer. The ultimate example of courage and grace in the face of fear and uncertainty for her husband and three young children, Shannon’s unrelenting faith fueled her battle and brought immense comfort to her family’s hearts.

Shannon was happiest at the family lake house in Mount Vernon, Texas or Warren Center, Pennsylvania, feet up with a Mike’s Hard Lemonade in her hand. No matter where she was, it was always guaranteed that she would be sporting a fresh French manicure, red lipstick, and her famous pearly white smile.

Shannon’s greatest legacy was the way she made others feel: seen, heard, and loved. She had the rare gift of turning strangers into friends and lighting up every room with her smile and warmth. Her kindness was effortless and infectious, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Though she may be gone, her spirit of pure kindness, grace, and gentle strength lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. The world is brighter because she was here — and her light will continue to shine through the love she gave so freely.

Shannon is preceded by her mother and father, Jesse and Monica Scoggin, by two of her brothers; Michael and Edward Scoggin, and by two sisters; Mona Lee Scoggin and Mildred Scoggin.

Shannon is survived by her husband, Thomas, and her children, Jessica Nealon Donovan (29) and husband Seamus Donovan, Thomas Nealon (26) and fiancée Elaina Rochford, and Ann Nealon (24). Shannon is also survived by her brother Jimmy Scoggin, her twin brother, Shawn Scoggin, her sister, Esther Rollins, and extended family in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.

A Visitation will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 29th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 30th at 10:30 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75225.

Shannon will be laid to rest at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas, TX, alongside her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Shannon’s name to Catholic Charities at: https://www.ccdallas.org/