John Shannon Matthews

John Shannon Matthews, 75, passed away at home on November 18th, 2025. He was born on September 9th, 1950, to Olie Hill and Juanita Matthews.

As the son of a Naval Chief Petty Officer, John lived in various cities throughout the United States. He saw the snow in Seattle, Washington, and the leaves fall in Bainbridge, Maryland, before his family made a permanent home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

John was able to travel and see the world while working for Veritas DGC. He was very proud to say he had visited every continent except Antarctica. Through these travels, he met the love of his life, Sumonthian, in Thailand. While he enjoyed traveling, he eventually took a more local job at the Beau Rivage, where he remained until his retirement.

In his spare time, he loved watching Alabama or Saints football, spending time on his computer, and sharing a cup of coffee with family and friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James “Jim” Matthews; and his sisters, Cheryl Eager and Wanda Schlesinger.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sumonthian; his daughters, Nichol, Shannon, and Jenna; his sister, Andrea (Peter) Petro; his brother-in-law, Jody Schlesinger; his four grandchildren, Ryan, Katie, Kaydence, and Kynderlyn; his beloved dog, Jessie; and many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at the Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., with the service to follow at 3 p.m.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of  John Shannon Matthews.