Tra’Vone’ Quandaries Shannon, 17, of Benton Harbor departed this life on June 11, 2016, in St. Joseph.
A service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, June 24, at New Bethel Baptist Church, Benton Harbor. The visitation begins at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. Those wishing to sign the guest book online may do so at www.familyfuneralhomebh.com.
Tra’Vone’ was born Feb. 3, 1999, in St. Joseph, to Tonya Shannon Towns and Pernell Kiser. He was an upcoming senior of the Benton Harbor class of 2017. Lots of his time was spent at the Boy and Girls Club, which really helped him become who he was. Tra’vone’ said to The Herald Palladium, “Passport to Manhood helped me know what I need to do to become a man,” he said, “men take care of their families.” He went on to state, “it also changed my attitude.” In 2015, Tra’Vone’ was awarded “young man of the year” through the Passport to Manhood program. He was a member of the Benton Harbor Tigers basketball, track, and football teams. He impacted the lives of everyone around him, and was loved by all. Tra’Vone’s last statement was, “I learned how to be a better me,” in becoming a man.
He leaves to cherish his memories his mother and stepfather, Tonya (Marcus) Towns; his father, Pernell Kiser; sisters: Shay’onna Hamilton, Mar’chaye Towns, and Dezhare Kiser; nephew, Xavier Kiser; grandparents: David (Estella) Shannon, Delores (Daniel) Seidling, Laretha Kiser; and a host of aunts; uncles; cousins; and lots of friends.
He was preceded in death by a grandfather, Ollie Kiser; and an uncle, Howard Wilson.