Shannon Marella Lay

It is with great sadness the family of Shannon Marella Bridges Lay announces her passing after a heroic battle against cancer. Shannon, wife of Mitch and mother to daughter, Mendi and son, Drew, passed early Tuesday morning in her home in Watkinsville, GA at the age of 47. Shannon was born on June 26th, 1969 in Athens, Georgia and moved with her family to Oconee County in 1979. She graduated from Oconee County High School in 1987; she obtained her Bachelor's degree from Augusta College in 1996 then went on to earn her MBA from Brenau College. She was a 20- year employee of The University of Georgia, Bursar office as the student account service manager. Shannon was also a long-time member of Watkinsville First Baptist Church where she cherished her church family.
Shannon leaves behind her husband of 28 years, Mitch age 48, born in Athens, Georgia and two children, Mendi and Drew. She is preceded by her mother, Mary Ellen Davis Bridges, her mother-in-law, Nora Melinda Davis, and her grandmother, Mary (Granny) Davis. She is survived by her father Kenneth Bridges and his wife Marilyn, her brother Star Bridges, her sister Melanie, her brother David and their families. She is also survived by in-laws Johnny, Jay, and Mark Lay and their families and many others who both influenced her life and were equally influenced by her including her Aunt Kathy, Qizhe Zeng (Jerry), life-long high school friends and co-workers.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Shannon will remember her smile and charm, as she blessed all those who crossed her path. Her reputation of grace, humor and faith defined her, and her quick wit always improved the moods of those around her. She put her family and faith before everything, loved her Lord Jesus with all her heart, and naturally put others before herself no matter what she was going through. She fought hard to beat cancer, and was the epitome of strength throughout the fight. Shannon was at peace with what was to come, and her family and friends take comfort in that along with the fact that she knew she would be going home to her Savior.
Visitation with the family will be at Lord and Stephens West on Friday, August 5th, from 6 to 9 pm with services held at Watkinsville First Baptist Church on Saturday, August 6th, at 10 am. Shannon will be laid to rest at Oconee Memorial Park, 2370 Hwy 53 in Watkinsville, GA. Her love for animals and her battle against cancer continues; therefore in lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128 or The American Cancer Society, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy #260, Duluth, GA 30097.
Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com