Geneva Evelyn (Higgins) Shannon was born on February 10, 1933, in Brazoria, Texas, and entered eternal rest on May 26, 2026. A woman of unwavering faith, compassion, and strength. She dedicated her life to serving others through her family, childcare center, church, and community. Known affectionately as “Meme” by her grandchildren and many others, she opened her heart and home to countless children, ensuring they were cared for, loved, and guided with kindness and discipline.

Born on a small farm in Brazoria, Geneva was the fifth of twelve children born to Columbus and Cleopatra Higgins. She grew up in a loving family where faith in God was the foundation of daily life. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Savior at Macedonia Baptist Church in Brazoria, Texas, and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. Geneva received her early education in Brazoria and graduated from Sweeny High School. In 1957, she moved to Houston, Texas, where she met and later married Monroe A. Shannon Sr. Their union was blessed with two children, Veronica and Monroe Jr.

Geneva pursued higher learning at Houston Community College, where she earned her Director’s License in Early Childhood Education. For over four decades, through Merryland Childcare and Learning Center, Geneva became a pillar of the South Park, Sunnyside, and surrounding communities in Houston. A firm believer in the power of education, she believed that every child could learn with the right opportunity and encouragement. Guided by that belief, Geneva and her husband opened Merryland Childcare and Learning Center in Southeast Houston in 1973. Through her work, she nurtured and educated countless children, leaving a lasting impact on generations of families. She never met a stranger and treated everyone she encountered with dignity, warmth, and respect. Parents trusted her, children adored her, and neighbors cherished her. Her impact reached far beyond the walls of her daycare, touching generations of families throughout the community. Everyone loved MeMe and will miss her.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and was evident in her daily walk. Geneva was a devoted servant of God who believed in the power of prayer. She was someone family, friends, and community members called upon in times of need because they knew she would faithfully pray for them. She was a dedicated member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church before God later led her to Outreach Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained faithful until her passing. Though she often served quietly, her presence was always felt, and her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and encouraging words brought comfort and inspiration to many.

Above all, Geneva treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend whose legacy will continue through the lives she touched. Her kindness, wisdom, faith, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of those blessed to know her.

Geneva was known for her loving spirit, generosity, unwavering faith, and dedication to her family and community. She had a servant’s heart and found great joy in helping others. Whether through her work, her church, or her family, she touched many lives with her kindness, wisdom, and encouragement.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, Columbus and Cleopatra Higgins; her beloved husband, Monroe A. Shannon Sr.; her siblings, “J.C.” Higgins, Stratton Higgins, Louise Fields, Carrie Arlene Sneed, Priscilla Wilkins, Jerry Higgins, Andrew Higgins, and Lannis Angus Higgins; and her brother-in-law, Ernest Cooper.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Veronica Shannon Jones (Frederick), and her devoted son, Monroe A. Shannon Jr. She also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren: Franchell McFarlin, Brandon McFarlin, and Jammal Smith. Her legacy continues through her five treasured great-grandchildren: Kaelynn Coleman, Chauncie Evelyn Ann McFarlin, Channon Veronica McFarlin, Blake McFarlin, and Jaya Jalesia Jeneva Smith.

She is also survived by her siblings, Travis Higgins, Polly Cooper, and Lola Newman, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former students, and all whose lives were enriched by her love and guidance.

Though Geneva’s earthly journey has ended, her legacy of faith, education, compassion, and family devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and unconditional love, and she will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23