Betty “Jean” Shannon, 85, died at Hillsboro Rehabilitation and Health Care in Hillsboro on Nov. 8, 2026.
A prayer service by the Rev. Dan Willenborg will be held at 10:45 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Hough-Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will follow.
Mrs. Shannon was born on April 1, 1941, to Edward E. and Helen L. (Sharp) Jurgena in Coffeen. She was married to Gary L. Shannon at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro on Nov. 16, 1963 and together they built a life they loved.
She was employed by the banking industry in human resources. She enjoyed meeting with her former coworkers from the bank each month for dinner. She was an active member of the Montgomery County Breast Cancer Support Group. In her free time, she was busy crocheting afghans and dresser scarves for her family, reading Danielle Steele books, working outside in her flowers, making Christmas crafts and enjoying her grandchildren. She belonged to St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro.
Mrs. Shannon is survived by her husband, Gary of Hillsboro; her daughters, Tracey White and Kim (Jim) Lawson, both of Hillsboro; her sister, Judy (Dick) James of Hillsboro; her grandchildren, Brandon (Stephanie) White of Witt, Devon (Hannah) White of Peoria, Dr. Mackenzi (significant other, Sam Markland) Lawson of Knoxville, TN, and Kaylee (fiancé, Zack McClure) Lawson of Springfield; her great-grandchildren, Maggie White and Karter White of Peoria and Nolan White of Witt; and her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son, Terry Joseph Shannon; and two brothers, Dale Jurgena and Alan Jurgena.
Memorials may be made to the Montgomery County Breast Cancer Support Group.
Please visit www.houghdeanfh.com to place an order for flowers or to share condolences with her family.
