Shannon Mary Semple

Shannon Mary Chambers Semple, 65 years young, of New Bern, NC passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday June 8, 2025. Shannon was born in Peekskill, New York on January 20, 1960, to Stephen Terrance Chambers and Patricia Anita Murphy Chambers. She lived in Yorktown Height with her parents and brother, Chris, through High School.

Shannon was a Graduate of Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She later attended Columbia University studying Ultrasound Technology receiving Degree as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. She went on to practice sonography at St. Vincent Hospital, New York at the height of AIDS. Her patient care was so compassionate that she once touched an AIDs patient on the shoulder and the patient commented “that’s the first time anyone has touched me since my diagnosis”. Many people, at that time, were in fear of AIDS patients but not Shannon. She practiced “The Human Touch” in patient care. She moved to Northern Virginia to work for Genetic and IVF Institute as an ultrasound technician. At that time she met her husband, Andrew, they were married in 1990. Her Ultrasound expertise advanced her to Fairfax Hospital Antenatal Testing Center. Her desire to do more in patient care motivated her to go back to study to be a Physician Assistant. She and her husband moved to Long Island.

She went on to State University New York at Stoney Brook University, receiving a degree as a Physician Assistant. Graduating second in her class at 34 years old. She was offered a teaching job at The University. She declined because she preferred patient care over teaching and excelled at it with true empathy and compassion. After two years in New York, she and her husband moved to North Carolina and worked at CarolinaEast Health Systems in Cardiology, Surgical Care and as a Hospitalist.

Shannon’s passion for Patient Care is only overshadowed by her love for animals. She was an Equestrienne in High School and Longwood University. She and her husband loved the outdoors together, hiking the Grand Canyon twice, Havasu Falls and the “Walk”, Camino de Santiago in Spain. Their love for travel and adventure was endless. Shannon also competed in numerous Triathlons' and completed a half IronMan. She was also a gifted artist in paints and pottery.

While hiking out the North Rim trail of the Grand Canyon in 2012 she detected something very wrong, an unusual weakness. This led to a cancer diagnosis the following year.

After battling cancer (Thymic Carcinoma) for the last 12 years her body could not endure the latest metastasis to her brain. Her courage and tenacity got her through four cancer centers and numerous clinical trials and surgery. She and a fellow survivor created a foundation to help others that are suffering this rare and aggressive cancer. The foundation, Thymic Carcinoma Center, now has 1200 members both patients and family supporters.

Grateful for the 34 years of life together and continuing in her memory is her beloved husband Andrew Semple. She is survived by her 92 year old father Stephen Chambers, her brother Capt. Chris Chambers, wife, Mia and son William. Along with brothers-in-laws Charles Semple, Barry Semple and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shannon is predeceased by her mother Patricia Chambers.

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. Murray Brennan, Dr Giuseppe Giaccone and Dr. Chris Taylor for their oncological expertise.

No memorial services are planned but a Celebration of Life is being planned for later this summer. Shannon will be cremated and ashes placed in a columbarium in the Blue Ridge mountains.

Donations may be made to https://thymiccarcinoma.org for the benefit of further research.

Online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Shannon Mary Semple.