Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | March 2025 • 3 • Get to know Kirby Pines' Jim and Mary Lou Shannon moved to Kirby Pines from their home in Oakland, Tennessee. They have been married 60 years, have two children and four grandchildren. Jim was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and worked as a customer service representative for MLGW for 26 years. Mary Lou got her degree in early childhood education from Memphis State in 1974. She went on to teach in the Memphis City School System for 39 years. Jim enjoys fishing and hunting and Mary Lou likes to read and make blankets. Her favorite author is John Grisham. Both evidently are fans of John Wayne with their favorite movies being "True Grit" and "The Quiet Man". They also follow Ole Miss football & basketball. They have traveled extensively including trips to Ireland, Scotland, Italy, a River Cruise down the Danube, New Zealand and they even won a sweepstakes at the Lakeland Outlet Mall to Australia! Jim collects knives and Memphis in May souvenirs from the different countries. Mary Lou collects Beanie Babies and dolls. She would be described as sweet, kind, loyal, caring and a great story teller. He would be described as "Mr. Patience", but you will have to ask him why. This outgoing couple is sure to fit in here at Kirby Pines, so if you see them out and about, give them a big hello. And when you run into Jim, don't forget to ask about his nickname. Jim & Mary Lou Shannon Mike Semore Mike Semore was born in Centerville, Tennessee and moved to Kirby Pines from his home on Quince Road in Memphis. He and his late wife, Melanie were married 46 years. She passed in 2021. Mike graduated from Freed Hardeman University in 1976 with a bachelors in arts, English, speech and music. He went on to teach for the Shelby County and Memphis City Schools for 42 years. Mike's interests include music, singing, reading, traveling and theatre. His favorite book is Eudora Welty's "One Writer's Beginnings" and his favorite singer is Luther Vandross. Mike's interest in music came early as he was taught by his grandfather who attended the original Stamps Baxter School of Music. Mike was honored over the years as he was recognized a Teacher of Excellence, was a member of Kappa Delta Pi and he graded AP exams in Daytona Beach for 13 years, acting as Table Leader the last three. He collects books, enjoys walking and on a trip to Romania, he went to Transylvania and toured Dracula's Castle. His friends would describe him as studious, creative and dramatic, which makes him a perfect fit for our community. So give Mike a big Kirby Pines welcome and invite him to sit with you at dinner or have him join one of our many entertainment groups. We couldn't be happier you chose to be part of our family. NEW RESIDENTS