Shannon Leigh Sumrall
Our beautiful, joy filled Shannon Leigh Sumrall, 43, passed away at home in Ruston on November 28, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Shannon was born in Ruston on May 13, 1979, which just happened to be Mother’s Day.
Shannon received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University and received a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminar in Wilmore, Kentucky. Shannon had additional theological study at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California and Iris Harvest School of Missions.
Shannon was highly educated, articulate, adventurous, sharp and well-traveled. She ran and built her own company, Best Float Valve, that helped farmers across the country. Shannon served faithfully in missions including bible school, youth choir and music trips, Habitat for Humanity, Weekend of the Cross, Mountain Top in Tennessee, Camp Olympia, The Wesley Foundation at LA Tech, Iris Global in Mozambique, and Compassion International.
Shannon’s greatest accomplishment is that she loved people really well, she learned to love herself really well and she loved the Lord with her entire being all her days ... fully, deeply, intentionally, unapologetically, and unconditionally!
Shannon chased waterfalls, and she championed people. She was forever a daddy’s girl and carried her little mama’s fierceness. She was a proud big sister, bonus sister, and bonus aunt to many. She was a loyal, wise, and fun friend.
Shannon’s laughter was contagious and her smile broke down barriers. Her big hugs would squeeze the hopelessness right out of you.
When you were with Shannon, you focused on you; listening, comforting, laughing and supporting. She was available and present. She didn’t complain, even in the worst circumstances and tried to shield her family and friends from the pain that consumed the last few months of her life.
She worshipped Jesus and asked for His help. She let the word of God and His unconditional love transform her, lead her, heal her, and convict her. She kept the gospel simple and pure.
Although we miss her profoundly, we celebrate knowing Shannon’s adventures continue. Now she is basking in the unfiltered light of Jesus, learning about every hidden mystery, exploring answers to all her questions, maybe enjoying multi-colored waterfalls, laughing, singing praises to God, and discovering the unprecedented depths of His love and joy, side by side with her heroes of faith.
We would like to give a special thank you to Shannon’s sister Sara, who played a huge role in planning and prepping organic foods for Shannon’s special dietary needs and keeping up with her medications. Big thanks as well to Dr. Ryan Harrison for his personal care and encouragement during the last few months, Dr. Talitha Elliott with New Health Chiropractic, Jereme Johnson Physical Therapy, and to Stefanie Howard, RN with Compassus Hospice.
The special visits, texts, calls and prayers from too many friends to name uplifted and encouraged her through the fight.
Shannon was predeceased by her grandparents, Roy and June Webb, and James T. Sumrall Sr., and Elizabeth (Libby) Rainwater Roane and aunt Pam Webb.
She is survived by her father, Tom Sumrall and wife Martha; her mother, Linda Tuten and husband Jim; sister, Sara Sumrall (RB Ramos); bonus sisters Julie Cooper ( John), Rachel Simmons (Sean), Elizabeth Eley (Nathan) and bonus brothers Mike Scott ( Charlotte) and David Scott (Laura). As well as multiple aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins.
A joyful and informal Celebration of Life will be held on December 10, 2022, in the Trinity Center at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston, with visitation from 1-2 p.m., and the celebration from 2-3 p.m. led by Rev. Brian Mercer, Rev. Scott Wright and Rev. Becky Clark. Casual attire preferred.
Arrangements are under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to either of Shannon’s favorite ministries; Iris Global via their website www. irisglobal.org or Compassion International via their website www. compassion.com or the charity of your choice.
Food donations to our family have already been so generous, please consider donating to the local food bank or a family in need if that is your preferred method of care giving.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.
