Our Staff
Our Valued Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Born and Raised in Bradenton
Graduate of Manatee High School Class of 1972
Graduate of the former Miami-Dade Community College with an
Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Service.
Over 40 years of experience in Funeral Service,
Florida Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1974.
Member and Past President of the Manatee County 100 Club,
Retired from the Bradenton Police Department,
Inspector with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office,
Member of First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton,
Active supporter of the Manatee High School Army J.R.O.T.C. Program
Tammy Valenti is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. She has earned 4 college degrees , the 4th being in Funeral Services from St Petersburg College. She performed her funeral directing internship in Bradenton.
Tammy is from Madeira Beach, but now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. She honorably served in the U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard for a total of 12 years, stationed on military bases around the world.
Married to the love of her life and the proud mother of four adult children, three beautiful granddaughters, one handsome grandson, and two spoiled dogs.Member of the Florida West Coast Funeral Professionals Association and currently serving on the Board as the Treasurer. Member of Calvary Chapel St Petersburg.
Sammy D. Simpkins, a resident of Myakka City, is a licensed funeral director with over 40 years experience in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, over 23 years of those years he has worked at Shannon Funeral Home. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1982 then went to earn his Associate's Degree in funeral service at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA.
He is married to Faith Ann (Jaworowski) Simpkins, he has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Sam followed in the footsteps of his father, Tom Simpkins, who spent many years in the funeral industry locally. He is a member of Manatee County Cattlemen's Association, Florida Farm Bureau of Manatee County, a member of First United Methodist Church Bradenton, a Freemason and a former reserve officer with the Bradenton Police Dept. He enjoys cooking and helping his wife maintain their garden and many animals they have.
Suzy Merkel was born in Portland, Oregon and now resides in Bradenton Florida.
She is currently a licensed funeral director, embalmer and notary public.
Suzy is also a member of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida.
She has traveled extensively throughout the United States.
In her free time, she enjoys taking drives along the beach and cooking with her teenage daughter.
Matthew is the grandson of Joseph E Shannon and one of the 4th generation of the Shannon family to work for the funeral home and has been working there on and off since high school. He works part-time at the funeral home and manages this website. Matt was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida and graduated from Manatee High School in 2001. Matt attended the University of South Florida and is getting his degree in Computer Networking. He proudly served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps where he attended boot camp at Parris Island, SC. During his time in the Marine Corps, Matt was deployed to Djibouti, Africa as Base Security and also had the privilege of attending a special training event at Camp David, Israel with the Israeli Army in 2009.
Joe was born and raised in Bradenton, FL where he attended and graduated from Manatee High School in 2010. While at Manatee he participated in the Army J.R.O.T.C. program for all 4 years. Joe attended The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina and served as the Commander of the Arnold Air Society. He is furthering his education in electrical engineering at USF in Tampa. Joe is also a 4th generation Shannon to work at the funeral home. He currently assists his father as an attendant.
In Loving Memory
Eugenia "Gene" Raymond Shannon was born in Lakeland, FL to Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Raymond. Dr. Raymond was a pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland for more than 20 years. After attending Queens College in Charlotte, NC. "Gene" met Joseph E. Shannon and they were married in 1948 and established a home in Bradenton, Florida. They were blessed with 2 girls, 2 boys, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. "Gene" was active in serving the Peace River Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly as well as the women's group of all. She has been an active Bible leader and has been in the choir all her years in Bradenton. This year will be 50 of active membership in the P.E.O., a women's group that helps women financially continue their education. The Manatee Players was also a special interest to her, where she performed and also made the costumes for many plays. During all her years at Shannon Funeral Home, "Gene" was always present when needed to talk to families, work funerals, answer telephones and anything else that was necessary to help out.
Suzy Merkel was born in Portland, Oregon and now resides in Bradenton Florida.
She is currently a licensed funeral director, embalmer and notary public.
Suzy is also a member of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida.
She has traveled extensively throughout the United States.
In her free time, she enjoys taking drives along the beach and cooking with her teenage daughter.
