Carol Dean Johnson Shannon

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8. This scripture embodies the principles by which Carol lived her life, selflessly devoted to her family with an enduring faith and belief in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, putting this steadfast love and everlasting devotion above all else.

Born in the Brunswick County, North Carolina coastal town of Southport to Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Clifford Emory Johnson and Daisy Mae Hickman Johnson where her father was stationed at nearby Bald Head Island, North Carolina, Carol spent much of her youth on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina after her father was transferred by the Coast Guard. She fondly recalled her growing up on Sullivan's Island and her time as a student at Sullivan's Island Elementary where she loved to climb the sand dunes and explore the island's World War II bunkers. She often reminisced of catching the ferry with her father from Sullivan's Island to Charleston and walking to Ashley Avenue to visit her mother and newborn sister Martha at Baker Hospital.
A love of the beach and the ocean was instilled in Carol at an early age while living at Sullivan's Island and later as a teenager in Coronado Beach, Florida where Chief Johnson was next stationed. She excelled in academics and was involved in many service-oriented extracurricular activities while a student at New Smyrna Beach High School where her peers spoke of her outgoing personality, giving spirit, kindness and graciousness. During these years she began to nurture her love of fashion after being asked to model in a local newspaper campaign, something she would again pursue after retirement.
Upon graduation from high school, the family returned to her mother's native home of Southport where she had known the neighboring Shannon family and their youngest son Alfred, who would become her husband. After a short time in Southport where their daughter Carolyn was born, the family ultimately settled in Charleston where Carol's parents and sister decided to return after Chief Johnson's retirement from the Coast Guard.

Carol began a career in the medical field working for Dr. Robert Pringle, Sr. and later Dr. Irwin Karesh for whom she worked until his untimely death. She joined the practice of Dr. Charles Banov and worked closely with him, as he was a great mentor and teacher to her and someone for whom she had much respect. During her time working for Dr. Banov she gave birth to her son Mark and balanced the challenges of a career, caring for a young child and her decision to pursue a nursing degree at Baptist College of Charleston with much success. After completing her nursing degree, she continued working with Dr. Banov for many years until deciding to spend time being a full-time mother during Mark's elementary and middle school years. She later returned to nursing after her son graduated from high school and worked for Drs. Louis Jervey and Charlton deSaussure before retiring.

After retirement, Carol was again able to pursue her interest in fashion after being asked to appear in a print campaign for The Post & Courier. Her poise, grace and beauty were quickly noted by modeling agency scouts and she was asked to compete in regional and national modeling campaigns for which she won acclaim. She was offered an opportunity to join a local modeling agency as Director of Admissions and later asked to join another agency as Agency Director, where she appeared in print, magazine and television commercials.

Shortly before pursuing a second retirement, Carol worked as an Account Executive for Jessica McClintock and Cartier. In addition to her career, Carol was passionate about volunteer endeavors as she lived a life guided by the Christian principles of giving. In addition to numerous outreaches in which she participated, she served on the Worship Committee at her church, the Porter-Gaud Parents Guild and was past Vice President of the MacLaura Hall Property Owners Association.

A devout Christian, Carol was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Charleston and attended regularly until her health prevented her from doing so. Carol passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2019 with her family surrounding her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years Al (Alfred) Emanuel Shannon who cared for her with adoration and compassion throughout her life, her beloved children who she loved and cherished so dearly, Carolyn Shannon Barnes and husband Scott, and her son Mark Alan Shannon, all of Charleston.
Also surviving are her loving sister and lifelong best friend, Martha Johnson Proctor and husband Henry of Summerville, grandson Kenneth Brian Cook of Columbia, granddaughter Lori Michelle Stonaker and husband Eddie of Charleston, great-granddaughters Kate Shannon Cook and Sara Emory Cook of Columbia, Caroline Michelle Renaud, Christina Ann Terrell, Ellori Grace Stonaker, Maci Claire Stonaker and great-great granddaughter Emery Michelle Grant, all of Charleston and her nephews David Alan Proctor of Flower Mound, TX and Michael Clif Proctor of Atlanta, GA.

The family invites friends to attend the Holy Service of Death and Resurrection at the graveside, Riverview Memorial Park, 3715 Azalea Drive, North Charleston at 11:00 o'clock on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 with longtime friend, The Reverend Ellen A. Younker presiding. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401. The family also wishes to thank her special caregivers, Lorraine Duberry, Wanda Brown and the compassionate nurses of Roper Hospice who cared for her tenderly and with dignity.