Springfield, Tennessree - "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born ..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

On a warm, sunny summer day, August 3, 1948, Thelma and Joe Eddie Shannon welcomed the arrival of their first born. . .a beautiful baby girl, Josephine Lucille Shannon. Her very name meaning "God will add" or "God will increase" symbolizing divine favor, abundance, resilience, and faith. Time would pass and the very meaning of her name would come to full fruition.

"Train up a child in the way she should go and when she is old, she will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

As the granddaughter and daughter of God fearing parents, who brought her up in the fear and admonition of a just God, Josephine professed her love and hope in Christ at an early age. She was baptized in the Farmer Pool's Creek and remained a lifelong member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, Tennessee. As one of St. James' songbirds she has served in and was president of both the No. 1 and No. 2 choirs. Her vocal prowess was shared as a singing soul of the renowned Gospel Harmonettes. As her grandmother, Mother Nellie Carnell, served on the Mothers' Board and as its president.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Josephine received her formative education in the Robertson County School System. She was a proud graduate of the Class of 1966 of the Historic Bransford High School, Springfield, Tennessee. Her athletic ability as a Mighty Lion was evident on the basketball court. Her skill made her a standout as a part of the championship team.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:28-31 KJV

"To every thing there is a season. . .and a time to die;" Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a

In October 2024 Josephine was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, BUT she never complained. She had no pain, she had no issues. At 10:49 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 an angel was dispatched to quietly escort our Josephine to paradise to join those who preceded her in death, including her husband, Gerald Anthony Hardin; mother, Thelma Shannon; father, Jo Eddie Shannon, and brother, Harry Franklin Shannon.

Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are: daughters, Tonya (John) Farmer, Rhonda Jamison, Sonya Farmer, and Gerlonda (Alvin) Fite; son, Troy Taylor; brother, Ken (Janice) Shannon; grandchildren, Tamera (Eddie), Stacia, Renata, Joslyn, Trevez, Xavier, Deniro (Samia), ChrisRhon, GaJuan, Xzonia, Xzaria, Amya, Genesis, and Aayona; twenty-two great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; devoted cousins, Gordon Fykes, Sr., Dorothy Sue; devoted extended family, the Pettus', adopted daughters, Lynncoya Smalls, Ashley Haynes; the Winston-McMurray Family and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and dear friends, Joshua Hinerman, The Bransford High School Class of 1966, Earline Carr and the Missionaries.

Viewing, Visitation and Funeral were Saturday, September 20, 2025 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TN with Reverend Andray Clemons, Eulogist and Minister Jeff Kennedy, Officiant. Interment was in Restlawn Memorial Garden.

W. D. Crowder Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.