Retired educator Dr. Loretta Shannon is active in the community. She proves truth of , "Where there's a will, there's a way". Dr. Loretta Shannon's love of teaching inspired her to spend more than 30 years in the field of education.

Shannon, a graduate of Coleman High School, said becoming a teacher was a milestone in her life.

“I'm just thankful that the Lord was in the plan,” she said. “Rev. N.P. Patterson, the pastor of St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church, took me to Campbell College in Jackson and told them to find me something to do. ... I worked in the cafeteria, library and the dean's office.  

“The first semester I was in school, I had no books. I had to borrow other students' books and use them at night while they were sleeping,” Shannon recalled. “That semester, I made the honor roll. The second semester, my mother, Lula Flemon, and my grandmother, Mary Turner, borrowed some money and bought me some books.    more »