Shannon Anderson

Shannon Vetlana Marie Anderson, (a.k.a. Shandy, Shan, Munchie, and Ms. Chin), was born on March 20, 1968, in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica. Her loving parents, Melva Joyce Anderson and Aston Anderson, were blessed with her as their only girl and the oldest of four children. She was well known in her Jamaican community. Her parents were heavily involved in their church, and her mother was a well-known and respected teacher. Her parents had high expectations, for her which she lived up to although she could be mischievous when tempted! Shannon attended St. Andrew High School for Girls in Kingston, Jamaica, then went on to Duff ’s Business College, where she majored in accounting. After graduating from Duff ’s Business College, she was employed at the Jamaica Teachers Credit Union for a few years. She then migrated to Canada in 1990, living with her Auntie Dell before joining her parents and siblings, who had already migrated to New York. In New York, she continued her career as an Accountant. In 2003, she relocated to Florida, where she worked in Administration at Phyl’s Academy. Later, she went on to work at the Legal Club of America Corporation for many years as a Human Resources Manager. From a young age, Shannon enjoyed being pampered like a true princess, which continued into her adulthood, as evidenced through her love of the finer things in life. Although her tastes were expensive, she definitely loved a good bargain! One could always count on her to wear vibrant, colorful outfits which matched her beautiful, bubbly personality! Shannon’s parents encouraged her love for Christ from a young age. As a young adult, she converted to the Seventh- day Adventist (SDA) faith and was an active member of Emmaus SDA in Brooklyn, New York, and of New Hope and Ambassador in Florida. As written in her Bible, Shannon states, “My belief is that religion without relationship is a waste of time! True joy is only found in Jesus! I’m not a slave to religion, because I have faith in him!” She loved the Lord, and through her relationship with Him, found purpose in serving Him. She strongly believed in Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” As such, even in her health struggles, she continued to bring her family and friends’ burdens to the Lord in fervent prayer. Shannon enjoyed singing in the church choir, being a youth leader, and helping organize church lunches, but most of all, she enjoyed working with children. As a Master Guide, Shannon worked with the Adventurer Club to plan programs, help children earn badges, and chaperoned countless camping trips. She also enjoyed telling funny children’s stories during the Divine Worship Service on Sabbath mornings. Shannon’s love for children was so strong that she even fostered a precious little girl, named Eternity, for a short time. God blessed Shannon with her soulmate, Jeffrey Burgess, at the appointed time to be her earthly love, spiritual, and physical support; not only through good times, but even as her health deteriorated. In her spare time, Shannon enjoyed planning a variety of gatherings for family and friends as an expression of her love for them and their company. These were never simple gatherings, as each one became an event, complete with decorations, party favors, and customized cakes. She also loved cooking elaborate meals and was the ultimate chef. Regarding her culinary skills, Jamaicans would say, “Shannon han’ sweet!”, especially with her favorite salmon dish. She lived, laughed, and loved with all her might, and with the hope and prayer to meet each loved one at the banquet table in Heaven with Jesus. Left to honor her legacy and sing her praises: her parents, Aston and Melva Anderson; brothers, Terrence, Jacey, and Jermaine Anderson; fiancé, Jeff Burgess; daughter-in-love, Alexis Burgess; sisters-in-law, Vanessa and Tisha; nieces, Serena, Kayla, Rayna, Niquey, Shakera, and Micah; nephews, Ahren and Andre; aunts, Ilene, Paulette “Auntie Dell”, Sharon, Michelle, and Janice; uncles, Carl, Kenuth, Paisley, Lawrence, Neville, Alphanso, and Alvin; goddaughter, Gabrielle John; and numerous cousins and friends who became her adopted family. Her memory will forever be in their hearts.