Shuwn Edward McDearmon

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Shuwn McDearmon, who was born on May 21, 1970, in Columbus, Ohio. Shuwn left us on July 29, 2024, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer for 18 months, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication.

Shuwn moved to Minnesota in his mid-teens, a pivotal moment in his life. He lived with his uncle for a short period, Shuwn ended up finding this second family in the Aldrich’s , whom welcomed him with open arms and also had the same passion for theater and music that he did.

In Minnesota, Shuwn immediately became a part of the arts and music community, he attended and graduated for South High school, earning a scholarship to New York University (NYU) for his exceptional talent and dedication. Shuwn's passion for the arts and his creative spirit was being acknowledged.

After college, Shuwn continued to pursue his love of music and theater. He remained active in the theater community, took on roles in a few movies, and performed with several bands. One of these bands afforded him the opportunity to travel across the United States occasionally, sharing his music with a wider audience.

In 2012, Shuwn was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Although this diagnosis was devastating, he fully recovered after a few months of intensive treatment. In 2014, despite being told that his fertility might be affected by chemotherapy, Shuwn and Jennifer were surprised and overjoyed when they learned they were expecting their daughter, LolaJane Bernestine McDearmon. With the news of the baby, Shuwn shifted his career focus to IT, later securing a position at MHealth (University of Minnesota). He was quickly promoted, allowing him to work more from home, which would later be a blessing.

In January 2023, Shuwn was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, a devastating prognosis with no cure. Despite this, Shuwn refused to accept his fate quietly. He fought every day to spend more time with his family, undergoing over 30 chemotherapy treatments. Shuwn worked until June 1, 2024, showing his dedication even during his illness. In hindsight, he expressed regret for not heeding earlier advice to take short- term disability, which might have allowed him more time with his daughter LolaJane and the chance to take a few more trips to the beach.

May 2024 was a month of both beautiful and heartbreaking moments. Shuwn surprised his daughter by getting married on the beach, creating lasting memories of joy. However, upon returning, he received the devastating news that his chemotherapy was no longer working and that he had only a few months left. Confronted with his mortality, Jennifer convinced Shuwn into having a “Life is Beautiful” celebration, an opportunity for him to gather people’s lives he had touched, that had touched him so that they could share their memories and he could share his journey. Almost 200 people attended including his mother and siblings, who were flown in to meet those who had been significant in his life.

Following the gathering in late June, Shuwn's health quickly declined. He was able to spend his final days surrounded by his mother, siblings, wife, and most importantly, his daughter LolaJane.

Shuwn will forever be remembered for his incredible love of music, his generosity, work ethic, and his desire for social justice. He was dedicated to reparations and building generational wealth not only for his daughter but also for the BIPOC community. Shuwn is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer; his daughter, LolaJane Bernistine, who was the greatest joy in his life; his mother, Bernistine McDearmon; his brother, DaWayne McDearmon; and sisters, Monique McDearmon, Danielle Haynes, and Sherika Chandler, many nieces and nephews, extended family, Steve and Myrna Aldrich, their children Jeff (Elizabeth) and David (Angela) whom he saw as his second family. He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne McDearmon, who passed away in December 2023, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. Shuwn's love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A memorial service to celebrate Shuwn’s life will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the Temple of Faith, Columbus, OH. Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm the service to follow at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gilda’s Club, Golden Valley, MN, or to the GoFundMe set up to support arts, and education for BIPOC youth, and to build generational wealth.

Rest in peace, Shuwn. Your memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew you.