Shawna Leigh Pettijohn

Shawna Leigh Pettijohn, 31, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away January 25, 2018 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on February 10, 2018 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas. The family will greet guests an hour prior to the service.

Shawna was born April 24, 1986 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center to Lisa Pettijohn. She attended the Olathe South school district growing up and became a graduate in 2004. Shawna had continuing education at Johnson County Community College after graduation. The past couple of years Shawna was a LuLaRoe Consultant and she enjoyed that line of work very much.

Shawna loved being an aunt to her nephew, Lex, she enjoyed spending time with him and taking him to do fun activities. She was an avid writer, her grandmother can recall Shawna filling notebooks full of stories. Shawna was fond of drama and theater, she directed and played in many performances in high school. She enjoyed sewing and designing everything from costumes to wedding attire, many of her friends were the lucky recipients of her creativity when it came time for them to get married. Shawna loved to have gatherings and get-togethers at her home, she loved to host and was very good at accommodating the needs of everyone. Shawna’s family can recall her deeply rooted love for music, and her interest in all different kinds, she was a fan of Sinatra, The Beatles, classical, pop, and 40’s & 50’s swing.

Shawna’s passing was not without pain from those who knew her best and loved her, but Shawna’s family would like everyone to know that she was a hero. Shawna was a donor and gave many vital organs that are essential for living. She saved many lives by her donation.

Shawna is preceded in death by her sister, Kaylie Smith; niece, Lana Leigh Bailey; grandmother, Oda Lee Pettijohn; and great-grandmother, Mary Smith; and her beloved cat, Twilight.

She is survived by her mother, Lisa Smith; grandparents, Wilma & Andy Pettijohn; brother, Dylan (Nikki) Smith; sister, Amanda Morelan; aunts, Linda Journeys and Deb Smith; a beloved nephew, Lex Smith; and many friends who will miss her so dearly.

Memorials can be made out to Lawrence Humane Society in Shawna’s name and can be send in the care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

3 Condolences

  1. Peggy Ford on February 6, 2018 at 9:48 am

    I was so sorry to hear about this. Shawna worked with my son Matthew for a few years before moving to Lawrence. She was patient with him and they each got each other’s humor. She even learned to watch sports which was not her favorite thing to do. I think Matthew even made her a Royals fan for awhile! She always talked about her family and I know how much she cared for them. I know they are hurting now but I hope their memories of her will help at this time. RIP Shawna.



  2. Nikki G. on February 7, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    I am so very Sorry for the Loss of Shawna! I only knew Her for a short time, but She left a huge impact on My Life! I am so Thankful that God allowed Her in My Life even if it was for a short time!!! Shawna You will be Missed!!!



  3. Alvie Bojangles on February 9, 2018 at 1:33 am

    So long, “peekles.”

    We were sorry to learn of your loss, Lisa.



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