Shannon Woodward McBryde, age 61, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Born in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Shannon was the daughter of the late Marvin "Abe" Woodward and Joy Wilkes Woodward. She graduated from Marshall County High School and later earned her degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

In 1990, Shannon met the love of her life, John McBryde, while they were both working at Athlon Sports magazine. They married in 1991 and spent the next 34 years together building a wonderful life and raising their daughter, Ella Rose, who was the greatest joy of Shannon's life.

In Shannon’s early working years, she worked as an editor for the State of Tennessee, where she was able to use her lifelong love of writing and language. Shannon spent many years teaching English in Williamson County Schools. During her career, she taught every grade from sixth through twelfth at one point or another.

Shannon never met a stranger. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to tell stories, and always knew just the right words to encourage someone. She was positive, kind, and a loyal friend. Some of her closest friendships began in kindergarten and lasted her entire life.

She was a faithful member of Franklin First United Methodist Church and had a heart for serving others. She was passionate about animal rescue, especially cats, and founded the Animal Service Club to help local shelters. She also served as a lead volunteer at the Williamson County Animal Shelter for seven years, where she made a difference in the lives of countless animals.

Shannon loved all kinds of music, treasured time with her family, and never hesitated to be there when someone needed her. She was a source of strength, wisdom, and steady encouragement to those who knew and loved her. She had a beautiful heart and made the world a better place simply by being in it.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Leslie Woodward; brother-in-law, Joe Gordon, and her beloved pets, Byrd, Atticus, Pearl, Louie, and Freddy.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, John McBryde; her daughter, Ella Rose McBryde; sister, Melanie Gordon; sister-in-law, Evelyn Murrell; niece, Mia Smith; nephew, Chad Woodward; pets, Junie, Gilbert, and Ricky; along with many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and fellow animal lovers who will miss her deeply.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM Monday, July 13, 2026 at Franklin First United Methodist Church - Historic Sanctuary, 148 5th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064. Visitation will be held 5:00PM-8:00PM Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lucky's Cat House in Lewisburg, TN which was very special to Shannon.