It is with a heavy heart that I, Amelia Hayes, her daughter, announce the passing of our beloved mother, Samelia Latrell Shannon, affectionately known as Ms. CeCe. Samelia was born on the 19th of October 1970, in Chicago, IL, and she left us on the 14th of July 2026. Her compassionate and loving spirit will forever be missed by all of us whose lives she touched.

Ms. CeCe lived her life with a resilience and courage that was nothing short of inspiring. A native of Chicago, Samelia also spent part of her life in St. Louis, Missouri, before settling down in South Bend, Indiana. She was a devoted cafeteria server at S.B.C.S.C., where she brightened the days of countless students and staff. Her infectious smile could light up any room, making every encounter with her a joyous event.

Beyond her professional life, Samelia was a vibrant soul whose love for music was unparalleled. Singing, dancing, and attending concerts were just some of her favorite pastimes. She was also an enthusiastic card player and the life of every party. Yet, despite her vivacious personality, what mattered most to Samelia was her family. Her love for her children was a testament to her boundless capacity for care and compassion.

Samelia is survived by her spouse, Willie Jr., and her daughters, Amelia Hayes and Shoniqwa Shannon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty Shannon and Samuel Randell. As we celebrate her life, we remember a verse from the Bible that resonates with her spirit, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

A Celebration of Life for Samelia Shannon will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11:00 am EDT at Alford's Mortuary, located at 1222 Napier Street, South Bend, Indiana, 46601. We invite all those whose lives were touched by Samelia to join us in remembering and honoring her remarkable life.

We encourage you to leave your precious memories of Samelia and upload photos to the memorial page. Your thoughts and reminiscences will serve as a comforting reminder of the extraordinary woman she was, and the joy she brought to all our lives.