SWAIN – Joy Marie Shannon was 67 at the time of her passing on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) at her seasonal home in Swain, NY. She was born on May 6, 1959 and raised in Corning to Lavina Wilbur Thompson and Franklin Laure Swarthout and attended Savona Central High School. After graduation she moved to Hornell in the 70’s where she met and married Steven Shannon and had two sons.
Throughout the years in Hornell, Joy spent her life having multiple careers. She worked at ACME Supermarket, drove a school bus for a time, worked as a bank teller and was the accountant for Fred C. Johnson and Son, Inc. in Hornell. Joy was also a devoted member of the Hornell Moose Club and rose to the ranks of a senior member for the Women of the Moose. She was an avid bowler and spent years in a league at the Hornell Bowl where she reached 200-point games regularly. Joy also enjoyed spending time walking around Stony Brook and Letchworth State Parks, flea markets and the Cohocton Fall Festival.
A favorite memory of her children was the time coming home after school one day during late summer and our mother was holding the most beautiful yellow lab puppy. Mom named her Sasha, and that dog grew to be a wonderful companion and family member. It was our mother’s dog, and we all knew it, but she was also our family dog, extremely loyal and mom never forgot her.
In her later years, Joy attended Alfred State College and pursued an associate degree in business/accounting and eventually graduated with honors. Upon graduation, Joy accepted a position with The Arc of Steuben.
In the early 2000’s, Joy began sharing a life with Don Versprille as a seasonal traveler. Spending half the year in Sarasota, FL and the other half of the year in Swain. While living in Florida, Joy loved going to the beach, riding her bicycle, working around the house, and spending time at the local Moose Club. One of her favorite activities was dog sitting Jay and Tammee’s dogs Jax and JT, often grossly overfeed them milk-bones; but that’s what grandma’s do, they spoil their grand dogs.
Joy was a loving mother and devoted sister and niece. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them during her travels. Joy loved the Buffalo Bills and was a dedicated and loyal fan, watching the games wherever she was and always holding a Miller Lite. The last search on her cell phone showed she was looking for this week’s kickoff.
Joy also loved cardinals and watching the birds fly around her yard in the woods of Swain. Most recently, she started collecting garden gnomes, finding them decorated around her yard. Our mom saw the best in people and actively donated money to hospitals like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. On her Facebook page there’s a post asking in lieu of birthday cards or gifts that donations go directly to the hospital. Our mom was a supportive mother, an active member of her community and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Joy is survived by her two sons, Jason (Tammee) Shannon of Palmetto, FL and Matthew Shannon of Hornell; her sister, Gail McCormack; her brother Jody Swarthout; her half siblings, Franklin Reed, Keith Nelson, Glonda Swarthout and Mark Hankinson; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, step-brothers, step-sisters, grand dogs, and the many friends who will forever carry on her memory. Our mom will be missed but her memory will never be forgotten. We love you.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Franklin Swarthout and Leroy Swarthout.
There will be no prior visitation. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2027 at the Hornell Moose Club. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Joy’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Moose Heart of the Community Scholarship, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
