Lavinia June McCann

Lavinia June (Shields) McCann, 98 of Athens Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on August 31, 2025

She was born on June 23, 1927, in Laurelvale, a village of Country Armagh, Northern Ireland, to William Samuel Shields and Anne Jane (McNally) Shields. As a teen June played field hockey and was a member of the drama club. She was also a member of the Mullavilly Parish Church N.I and the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens Georgia.

She courageously made the solo journey to New York, by sea, at the young age of 21 to seek out a new life in America. Soon to be followed by her future husband William R. (Bill) McCann, to whom she married in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on June 23, 1951. They settled in Athens Georgia, where they co-founded McCann Aerospace Corporation in 1963.

After many years in Athens, she and Bill retired to Ponce Inlet, Florida in 1979, where they enjoyed many years of deep-sea fishing on their boat, the Irish Rover III.

June returned to Athens in 1991 following the death of Bill, where she spent 20 years volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital, many of those as the auxiliary treasurer where she was instrumental in the computerization of the auxiliary’s financial records.

Her passion for travel led her on many adventures around the world, including her favorite, Africa.

She was an avid golfer and the treasurer of the women's golf association of the Athens country club in 1972.

June is survived by her children, John W. McCann (Kay), Sheila McCann Brice, and Colleen McCann Clark.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Angela Cape, for her kindness, friendship, comfort, and dedication to June over the past year, as well as her caretaker Jovan Stephens for her dedication and care these past few months.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, September 8th at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Presbyterian Village of Athens. 1400 Live Oak Lane, Athens GA. 30606, with a reception to follow in the atrium.

June was a lover of all animals, therefore, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society or another animal care facility or sanctuary of your choice, or the American Cancer Society.

Lord and Stephens WEST, is in charge of making arrangements

www.lordandstephens.com