Babette La Gail Shannon Obituary (1962 - 2025)

Born Jun 30, 1962, Babette La Gail Shannon attended Chamberlain High School in Tampa, FL. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Babette La Gail Shannon.

Graduation Year	Class of 1980
Date of Birth	Jun 30, 1962
Date of Passing	Jan 28, 2025
About	Babette’s journey began on June 30, 1962, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the first daughter, and second eldest of five children. She spent her early years embraced by generations of family in Tulsa, Sapulpa, and Langston, Oklahoma, where she attended Langston University Laboratory School while her mother completed her bachelor’s degree. In 1972, the family made Tampa their home, and Babette quickly became immersed in school and church life. A high-stepping Chiefette, she graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1980, then continued her education at Florida A&M University (FAMU), earning a degree from the esteemed School of Business and Industry (SBI). Babette launched her career at IBM as a Customer Support Trainer before changing fields to something that better reflected her compassionate nature. She served as a Hillsborough County Crisis Center Counselor, later working at Comprehensive Behavioral Care and Honeywell, Inc. before dedicating over 25 years as a Senior Counselor and Social Worker for the Department of Corrections in Miami-Dade County. Babette was understated about her tremendous impact on the hundreds of people that she advised over the years. But she accumulated countless thank-yous that she received as Counselor Shannon. A firm believer in second chances, she uplifted those in need with humility, grace and understanding. Babette’s heart for service extended beyond her profession. She became a member of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and later moved to general membership; and she found joy in working with the Junior League of Tampa. After relocating to Miami, she became a longtime member of Jesus People Ministries International, where she cultivated lifelong friendships and found purpose in serving others. While Babette accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a young girl, the congregation at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church. nurtured her nature as she matured into a faithful servant-leader in the body of Christ. Her love for community was evident through her 28 years of service with The Greater Miami Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, where she championed causes such as Service to Youth, The Arts, National and International Trends and Services, as well as Health. She was especially passionate about mentoring young girls and served 14 years on the board of the Florida Essence Tea Princess Program, shaping the next generation of confident, accomplished women. After a brief illness, Babette passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and prayer, just as she desired on January 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her biological father, Reuben Kenneth Shannon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as beloved grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Babette leaves to cherish memories of her with her devoted parents, Dr. Juel Hickman Shannon Smith, and Dr. John L. Smith, Jr., of Tampa, Fla.; adoring brothers, Kenneth Ardell Shannon (Alvina) of Atlanta, GA, and Michael Smith (Wendy) of Cleveland, OH; loving sisters Angela Shannon Preston (Rohan) of Minneapolis, MN; Gina Shannon Spicer (Oliver) of Miami, Fla; Dr. Lisa Shannon of Atlanta, GA; and Eva Smith of Columbus, OH. Survivors also include cherished aunts, Olivia Doris Hickman of Tulsa, Okla., Bishop Patricia Hickman Green of Tulsa, Okla., and Barbara Smith Terry of Phoenix, Ariz. She also leaves a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who will forever carry her spirit in their hearts. Babette lived a life of love, service and joy. She wore her God-given smile with generosity and grace, spreading warmth wherever she went. In true Babette fashion, she did it her way, but always with love and purpose. Though her earthly journey has ended, her impact lives on in the lives she touched, the clients she encouraged, the communities she served, and the light she shared so freely.