09/24/2026
Please keep Lew and family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of Shannon. A celebration of life will be held at FBC on Monday, Sept. 28 at 1:00.
Shannon Kay (McLerran) Murray
September 13, 1956 - September 21, 2026 (Age 70)
Shannon Kay Murray, met her Savior face to face on September 21, 2026, at the age of 70 years old having just celebrated her 70th birthday and 50th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband, Lew Murray, daughter, Kendell Samuelson and son Taylor (Amy) Murray: and grandchildren Axzander & Holt Samuelson and Tyson, Mackenzie & Colette Murray.
Shannon was born on September 13, 1956, to the late Bryce and Sarile (Gilliland) McLerran in Salem, Illinois. Shannon grew up in Salem, where she and Lew met while attending grade school and junior high together before her family moved to Gap, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from high school.
Lew and Shannon reconnected on the beaches of the Atlantic and were married in 1976. They started their family in Norman, Oklahoma, later moving to Allegan, Michigan in 1981. They moved to Traverse City, Michigan in 1985 where they stayed and raised their family. Shannon made sure that her children grew to love the sand and water as much as she did. She made peace with the cold and even learned to enjoy participating in winter activities with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and daughter. She immensely enjoyed being with her family, preparing good food and playing games…so many games.
Shannon desired to make a difference in people’s lives, working sacrificially at both East Bay Calvary Church, and in the founding of Traverse City Christian School. She was especially known for her role in the drama ministry at church, where she participated with many good friends in producing the annual Christmas Dessert Theater. She was an active participant with multiple church families over the years, influencing many in her roles as teacher, leader, director, missionary and friend.
Shannon loved to host dinners and parties, frequently inviting friends to join her family for holiday meals and creating community. Shannon absolutely relished being “Mimi” to five wonderful grandchildren. She was a fun-loving Mimi, exposing her grandchildren to new activities, boring but essential educational experiences, lots of games and lots of ice cream.
She is remembered as a wise, generous, gracious, faithful friend and spiritual warrior. Using the words of others, “she was a lovely lady who made an impact on many with her kindness”, “My life was made better because God chose to have our paths cross. Her teachings made the Bible come alive in a way I never thought possible,” “What an amazing woman she was - she impacted so many lives in eternal ways. She was so incredibly gifted, humble, and kind.”
Memorial contributions may be made to Traverse City Christian School, 753 Emerson Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686.
A celebration of her life will be Monday, September 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Allegan, Michigan. The burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Salem, Illinois at a later date.
