Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the Light of the world.

He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." ~ JOHN 8:12

In Houston, Texas, on July 7, 1950, Willie and Carolyn Powell welcomed their second daughter, Patricia Ann, affectionately known as Patty. Patty attended Douglass Elementary and Ryan Jr. High before graduating from Jack Yates High School in 1968. She went on to attend Texas Southern University.

In 1972, Patty married Raymond L. Shannon. Although they eventually took different paths in life, they remained close friends until his passing in 2002.

Growing up in a loving Christian household, Patty accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. G.W. Prince at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. She joined Lilly Grove under her father's charge as Pastor and then would later return to Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church until death. She was actively involved with her church family, serving as a Sunday school teacher and musician, and working with the music, youth, and women's ministries. She continued to serve faithfully until her mobility became a limitation and her health began to decline.

Patty was a sister, aunt, godmother, niece, cousin, friend and a faithful Christian serving her Lord in each capacity with enthusiasm, humor, love, and kindness.

Patty's career included positions with Hycel Oil and Gas and the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) of Harris County from where she retired.

She deeply loved her family and was preceded in death by her father and mother. Patty will be cherished and missed by those who loved her dearly. Her sister, Barbara Adams; niece, Andrea Adams; great-nephew, Aidan White; nephews, Kenneth Shannon (Sharmeka) and Kevin Shannon (Laresha); nieces, LaTanya Blackmon and Mariah Lavallis; goddaughters, Jackie Fletcher, Maya Lavallis, and Pamela Bowan; along with other relatives, friends, and the Lilly Grove church family.