Vashon Lenoir Oggs

Vashon “Shon” Lenoir Oggs—who, after a short period of declining health, reached the sunset of his life at his home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Antioch, Tennessee. He was forty-nine years old. Shon experienced his sunrise on May 23, 1973, in Knoxville, Tennessee—born to James H. Oggs and Shirley A. Gillespie-Oggs. He grew up in Spring City, TN, in an area nestled down an old country road, also known to family and friends as “Gillespie Bent”. At a young age, he attended Spring City Elementary and Middle School and then went on to Rhea County High School where he competed in Track and Field and developed his God given artistic ability, which he had a passion for and loved doing in his spare time. He went on to graduate from high school in 1991 and was voted most talented by his classmates. Soon thereafter, Shon left for Nashville, TN to further his education at the HBCU Tennessee State University, where he graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art. Upon graduation, Shon began a career in the field of artistic layout and design, working for several publishing companies such as The Tennessean and for himself as a free-lance graphic artist. His career came to an end while working for the Sunday School Publishing Board for many years.

Shon was preceded in death by his parents, James “Sonny” H. and Shirley A. Oggs; and his brother, Joseph “Joe” V. Oggs.

He is survived by the following: his loving wife of 22 years, Stacey A. Benford-Oggs, Antioch, TN; sons—Xavier James Oggs and Braxton Ivon Oggs, both of Antioch, TN; brother—Jason (Nicole) Oggs, Antioch, TN; nephews—Kannon Oggs, Dayton, TN; Jayden Oggs, Antioch, TN; and Priest Oggs, Lenoir City, TN; mother-in-law—Missouri R. Benford, Louisville, KY; several aunts, uncles and a host of cousins and friends.

The acceptance of family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. EST with the funeral service to follow beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST on Friday, May 12 at First Baptist Church, 374 W. Jackson Avenue, Spring City, TN 37381 , with Rev. Larry Woods of Speights Chapel A.M.E. Zion church officiating. Interment will follow the service at Euchee-Gillespie Cemetery in Spring City, TN.  Repast to follow at First Baptist Church.