Shannon Christyn Carter

Shannon Christyn Carter, age 33, of Lillington, NC, passed away on Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025, at her residence. She was born June 12, 1991, in Cumberland County, the daughter of Jill Mangum and her husband, Donald, and Chris Carter and his wife, Illyssa.

Shannon graduated from Harnett Central High School in 2009. Shortly after, she left Lillington to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion. Shannon worked as a caregiver and held retail and service industry positions before returning to Harnett Central High School in 2022 as an Exceptional Children’s Teacher Assistant.

Affectionately known as "Sham" or "Carter," Shannon was a bright ray of light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. While her passing leaves an unimaginable void, her family and friends will remember her exuberant spirit and the lasting impact of her kind-hearted nature. Shannon’s energy was infectious, and she was always ready for new experiences and to meet new people. Fiercely loyal to her family and friends, Shannon always stood up for the underdog.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandfathers, Clifton Ralph Brown, Sr. (Papa) and Jerrell Wilson Carter (PawPaw Carter).

Shannon is survived by her loving parents and stepparents: Jill Mangum (and her husband, Donald) and Chris Carter (and his wife, Illyssa); her grandmothers, Goldie Marie Brown (Mema) and Alice Jean Carter (Nana); her brothers, Taylor (and his wife, Grace), Trevor (and his wife, Taylor), and Trysten Carter; and her two nephews, Davis and Silas Carter, who were the absolute lights of her life. She was also adored by her loving aunts and uncles: Uncle Cliff Brown; Uncle Chris (and Aunt Amy) Brown; and Aunt Carol (and Uncle Brian) Ventrone.  She was also survived by her aunt, Gail Brown; stepsister, Kindal Makolli (B); and step-niece Kinley Batby.  

A loving host of cousins will sadly miss her, including Heather, CJ, Travis, and Schyler Brown; Trey Gentleman; Dylan, Chase, and Hunter Carl; and Nikki Phillips. She will also be missed by other extended family and her friends, as well as her Antioch Church and Harnett Central High School work family.

Shannon will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, especially her two beloved nephews, Davis and Silas, and her joy for life, which included dancing with friends, singing karaoke, and her love of sports. Her spirit touched everyone around her, and her family will cherish these memories as they celebrate her life.

The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:45 PM Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church in Mamers. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM in the church.

Memorials may be made to the Special Olympics of Harnett County c/o Holly Watt, 340 Kingsbrook Circle, Fuquay-Varina, NC  27526.

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