Record Number of Birthday Cards Helps Make Her Day Extra Special
By: Tom Williams | March 11, 2025
Clarksdale, MS – Elsie LaVerne Pittman Shannon recently marked her 92nd birthday in grand style, surrounded by an overwhelming outpouring of love and appreciation. A longtime wish of hers had been to receive many birthday cards, and this year, her daughter, Tana Pittman Vassel of Clarksdale, made that dream a reality.
Working with her siblings, Vassel set out to ensure her mother received 92 birthday cards—one for each year of her life. The goal, however, was far exceeded, as approximately 200 cards and gifts arrived from friends, family, neighbors, former co-workers, church members, and acquaintances from 13 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. Many of the cards included heartfelt personal notes, reflecting on the impact Pittman Shannon had made on the lives of those who sent them.
As the cards began trickling in before her birthday, Pittman Shannon started to grow suspicious of the unusually high number she was receiving. Her curiosity deepened when she received greetings from people she had not heard from in years. Eventually, she pieced together the surprise and questioned her daughter, who revealed the heartfelt effort behind the thoughtful gesture.
On her special day, she was honored with a surprise birthday lunch, attended by some of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Today, she is the proud grandmother of 31, great-grandmother of 43, and great-great-grandmother of one, with family members living across the United States and Mexico City. Even weeks after her birthday, cards continued to arrive, requiring three days to open, read, and catalog with her daughter’s help. Expressing her gratitude, Pittman Shannon personally thanked everyone who had contributed to making her birthday extraordinary—a process that took several days.
Born on January 18, 1933, on an 80-acre farm near Lake Providence, Louisiana, Pittman Shannon was the oldest of seven children of Luther and Neallie Darden. She graduated from East Carroll Parish High School and later moved to Memphis to attend Henderson/Lemoyne-Owen College, earning a degree in business.
Her professional journey led her to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she began her career as a secretary at the United Order of Friendship. It was there that she met her first husband, Charles Thomas Pittman of Jackson, MS, an instructor and multi-sport coach at Coahoma Agricultural High School, as well as a postman. Together, they raised nine children before his passing in July 1976, leaving her a single mother. Despite the challenges, she extended her heart even further by taking in three foster children who had lost both parents. Over the years, she endured the loss of two sons and one daughter.
Later in life, she found love again and married Rev. Bernard Shannon, who served as pastor of Rise Again M.B. Church for over 30 years. Their union was a blessing until his passing in July 2019.
Pittman Shannon worked for 32 years as the Assistant Manager of Eastgate Gardens Apartments in Clarksdale. She was also deeply involved in her church, serving as church clerk and in various other capacities, particularly in mentoring and recruiting young people to the faith.
When asked about the secret to her long and fulfilling life, she credits family, love, and unwavering faith in God. She lives as a testament to God’s love and mercy, often emphasizing the power of forgiveness.
“Sometimes, a miracle or breakthrough from God is right on the other side of unforgiveness,” she shares. “We must truly forgive anyone who has wounded us in some way. That’s the only way to truly be free.”
Pittman Shannon’s 92nd birthday was not just a milestone but a reflection of the lives she has touched. Her legacy of love, faith, and resilience continues to inspire those who know her.
Photo Credit: Tana Pittman Vassel
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