JERRY SHANNON

Jerry Shannon was born July 9,1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the son of Theodore Shannon and Idelia (Judy) Shannon, who preceded him in death. 

Jerry attended Indianapolis Public Schools and graduated in 1977 from the historic Crispus Attucks High School. Although Jerry did not play basketball in high school, he was proud to be an alumni of Attucks because in 1955 Crispus Attucks was the first all-black high school to win a championship in America. Jerry loved documentaries and he watched the documentary of Crispus Attucks championship game over and over again! 

In 1979 Jerry married Carla Hendricks. They shared fifteen years of marriage and had two sons; Darnell and Erik, and one precious baby girl, the late Tracie Shannon. 

Jerry loved his kids. All of his kids played high school basketball and his sons played AAU basketball too. He was so dedicated to supporting his kids that he followed the school buses to away games even in bad weather. Jerry was in the stands cheering his kids on and videotaping games. Occasionally, he had to come out of the stands on the side lines to ensure his kids and the coaches heard his soft spoken voice. 

Jerry enjoyed sports of all sorts. His favorite sports were basketball, football, baseball, tennis and boxing. Oh and don't forget about golf, watching the Olympics and other major sporting events!   Jerry's favorite teams were IU basketball and football, the Colts and the Pacers. Jerry loved sports so much that he had a gigantic satellite dish in his backyard on Della Court. Erik recalls his Dad, Jerry’s brother John (Wayne) and friends sitting on the floor in the "front room " watching games on a big screen TV using the satellite dish. You would have thought they were at Market Square Arena!

Jerry was very particular about how he watched and listened to games. He turned down the TV volume and turned on the radio so he could listen to the play-by-play announcers of his favorite teams. He got a kick out of the late Bobby "Slick" Leonard of the Pacers who coined the phrase "Boom Baby" and "Turn off the Lights the Party's Over."                 Jerry would laugh and laugh because he knew that meant the Pacer's were winning the game. Don Fischer, play-by-play announcer for IU basketball and football was Jerry's historian for Bobby Knight! 

Jerry was very versatile in his genre of music. He would listen to Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, Michael Buble' and so many more. 

Jerry gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1994 and was baptized at Eastern Star Church. Jerry loved music and was a member of the Sounds of Praise and Mass Choirs. Jerry also served on the Usher Board where he was the Vice President. He loved working as the Key usher. Jerry enjoyed ushering and singing at special events such as the Indiana Black Expo, The Passion of Christ and special gospel concerts. Jerry was a member of New Horizons Church from November 2021 until his death.

Jerry was employed at Diamond Chain as a Furnace Operator until he medically retired in 2009. He was a Union Steward and member of the United Steelworkers Union. 

Jerry and Ramona Humphries were married on July 22,1995 after dating one month and engaged one week! Over the years many family gatherings were hosted at their home. Jerry loved coming up with creative ideas to have give-a-ways. He was very generous. 

Jerry  followed in his Dad's footsteps and pursued an interest in photography where he launched Pictures by Jerry.  He was ecstatic when his son Erik joined him in the business. Together they provided photography services for weddings, family reunions, proms, church events and more! They were a great team! Jerry’s greatest accomplishment as a photographer was working for the Eastern Star Church Chronicle magazine. He was so thankful when his work made the cover page! 

Whether it was yard work, working with his hands, or serving the church, Jerry believed in doing every task with excellence. That same spirit of discipline and pride lives on through his sons, who stand as a tribute to the examples displayed and taught by Jerry. 

Jerry relied on his faith in God to sustain him. He was so excited when church services were available on live stream. He was amazed by the technology. Jerry listened to sermons and gospel music and was often moved to tears. He had the biggest smile when the choir would sing a song that he use to sing. He watched and played video concerts like John P. Key and Israel Houghton among others. The louder the better! 

Jerry Shannon departed this earthly life on October 22, 2025 at the age of sixty-six. He is survived by his wife, Ramona Humphries -Shannon; two sons, Darnell Shannon (Sharell),  Erik Shannon (Ella), daughter, Tracie Shannon (Deceased); six grandchildren, Autumn Shannon, Alyssa Barker, Kelis Trammell, Isaiah Shannon, Eva Shannon, Erika Shannon, Julianna Carlisle (Deceased); two brothers John (Wayne) Shannon of McKinney, TX, Raymond Shannon Sr., (Nancetta); four sisters, Jacqueline May, Lorena Shannon, Donna Long, Linda Brents; nephew, Antonio Shannon of Phoenix, AZ; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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