IN LOVING MEMORY

SHAWN DEA CRISWELL

September 7, 1963 – August 29, 2020

Shawn Dea Criswell was born on September 7, 1963, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Catherine Ann Daniel and Gordon A. White.

He attended Carrick High School in Pittsburgh, PA, received his Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and his MBA from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

From a very early age, Shawn displayed exceptional academic aptitude, athletic ability, a gregarious outgoing personality, and a focus beyond his years. His unbridled focus would lead to a lifetime of achievement and community service. As a youth, Shawn participated in many track and field events, ultimately winning a national competition. Shawn loved volleyball and engaged in his love for the game as a player, coach, referee and fan. One of his most treasured accomplishments and fondest memories was when he served as a volleyball statistician at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA.

Shawn was very successful professionally. He had an infectious personality that would radiate positive energy in any room. He had kind words for everyone who crossed his path and never met a stranger. These attributes made him even more successful when working with teams toward a common goal. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a Senior IT Project Manager for Bank of America. Shawn excelled in this role due to his strong leadership abilities, goal oriented mindset and willingness to serve as a positive role model in the workplace. He inspired all that came into his orbit to reject mediocrity and strive for the highest of heights.

For all of his successes in life, what Shawn held most dear to his heart was his family, his community service and membership in several distinguished organizations. As a member of the NC Coalition of 100 Black Men, an organization dedicated to influencing and transforming the lives of underrepresented and disenfranchised youth, Shawn was truly dedicated to Mentoring the 100 Way. He enjoyed mentoring young men and shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow. Shawn was especially proud of his service and membership in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His life was truly aligned with the cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Shawn was a true Omega man committed to improving his community by giving tirelessly of his time and talent. As his life path moved him around the country to various cities, one of his first priorities would be to engage with the local chapter and get to work.

Shawn loved his family with every fiber of his being. In 2007, he fell in love with his soulmate and future wife, Vonda Mack and they married in 2012. Shawn and Vonda shared a love that many will never experience. A love and a bond that remained strong until the very end. Shawn was very proud of his children and grandchildren and looked forward to recognizing their accomplishments, attending milestone events and hosting annual Criswell family gatherings. He along with Vonda revered family to the utmost, and loved hosting big family celebrations.

Shawn must have known that he would not have a full measure of time because he embraced his life fully and unapologetically; a true "Quiet Storm". Shawn accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in September 2003 and was baptized at New Saint John Baptist Church on February 9, 2014. On Saturday August 29, 2020, Shawn transitioned to his new Heavenly Home and is walking with his beloved daughter. Shawn was preceded in death by his daughter Lashawna Lynn Criswell, his father Gordon A. White, and step-father William Patton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife: Vonda Mack Criswell, Mother: Catherine Ann Patton, Son: Carson M. Criswell Sr.; Daughters: Ebony Carter (Day) and Chelsey Mack; Sisters: Ernestina Kolivoski (Richard) and Michelle Patton-Stegall (Fred); Brother: Curtis Criswell (Kimberly); Grandchildren: Bailey, Cyrah, Carson Jr, and Caleb; Life-long Friends: Alex Eggleston and Oliver Barker; and a host of uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and fraternity brothers.