Shawna Cummings

On Monday, March 27th, 2017, Shawna Gayle Cummings passed away from complications associated with pneumonia. Shawna was born on November 19th, 1957 to parents Hubert and Estey (Harrell) Cummings. She grew up living in Heltonville, attending school there, including the old Heltonville High School. She was in the 2nd graduating class from Bedford North Lawrence High School in 1976. She was an avid socialite at school as she participated in many student-lead activities, plays, band, and graduated Salutatorian of her class. From there Shawna attended Vincennes University and graduated with a degree in Floral Design and Business Management. While at Vincennes, she participated in the Miss Vincennes University Pageant and was awarded 4th runner up. In 1981 Shawna gave birth to her first child, Wendy Morthland. Wendy precedes Shawna in death, having died in a car accident in March 1997. In 1988 Shawna gave birth to her second child, Lindsey McDonald. Lindsey currently resides in Bloomington, living with her partner, Andrew Sehr, and working as a social worker. In 1994 Shawna gave birth to her third and final child, Amanda Prairie. Amanda also currently resides in Bloomington, living with her fiance, Brendan Thompson, and working as a special needs advocate. Shawna's father, Hubert Cummings, preceded her in death in August 2009. Her mother, Estey Cummings, now 93 years old and still as feisty as ever, resides in Bedford. Shawna has two siblings, Gloria Hilkey and Travis Cummings. Gloria resides in Bedford with husband, Michael Hilkey. Travis resides in Seymour with wife, Susan Cummings. Shawna has two nieces, Cari Hercamp (daughter of Travis), and Tracey Powers (daughter of Gloria). Cari resides in Columbus with husband, Greg Hercamp. Tracey resides in Belvidere, Illinois, with husband Ryan Powers. Shawna has two nephews, Dustin and Tony Hilkey (sons of Gloria). Dustin resides in Bloomington with wife, Ashley Hilkey. Tony resides in Bedford with wife, Melissa Hilkey. Shawna has one great-niece, Kyndall Powers, daughter of Tracey and Ryan. Shawna has three great-nephews, Jacob and Keith Hercamp, sons of Cari and Greg, and Dempsey Powers, son of Tracey and Ryan. Jacob resides in Ft. Wayne with wife, Emily Hercamp. Keith resides in Scipio with wife, Jessica Hercamp. Shawna has one great-great-nephew, Jacob Hercamp II, son of Jacob and Emily.
Throughout her life Shawna loved all things nature. She had a particular fondness for geodes and seashells. She also loved animals of all kinds, but was partial to horses, dogs, and cats. She loved to ride horseback, a trait she passed on to daughter Wendy. She also loved flowers, and had quite the knack for flower arranging. She ran her own flower shop for many years in Bedford - Shawna's Indiana Flowers. She was amongst the most well-known florists in the area, having trained quite a few common florists known in the area today. Shawna also loved music. She greatly appreciated Loreena McKennitt, Joey & Rory Feek, and a great many other artists. Shawna had a passion for musicals when she was young. Shawna performed in several plays in school including Beauty & the Beast, West Side Story, and Guys & Dolls. She was a member of the Bedford Little Theatre for some time during her 20s and 30s. Although she didn't regularly attend church, Shawna recognized herself as a Christian. She attended Mundell Christian Church, Fairview Community Church, and most recently, Brownstown Baptist Church.
Recently Shawna moved to a new home in Medora with 18 year partner, Darryl Kelley. Woodlawn Family Funeral Centre in Seymour is handling the arrangements. Friends can sign the guestbook at www.WoodlawnFamilyFuneral.com Shawna will be cremated, and her ashes will be split amongst Lindsey, Amanda, and Darryl, as well as some being spread over the graves of Wendy and Hubert.

Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 from 1:00pm-5:00pm at the Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park in Bloomington, IN. The address to the playground is 2851 N Old State Rd 37, Bloomington, IN 47404.

Her memorial service is going to be held as a lunch. We will be grilling hot dogs and burgers. Per mom's usual, there will also likely be several buckets of fried chicken. If you wish to participate
in the lunch, we ask that you bring one of the following: a bottle/box of soda, a bag of potato chips, a veggie tray, a side dish, a dessert, etc.

I also ask that you bring any pictures of my mom that you'd like to share, maybe think of a few funny/good memories you have of my mom that you'd like to share, etc. I really would love to hear more about my mom's life from the perspective of her friends.

Thank you everyone for your continued support through this difficult time. I look forward to seeing lots of new faces and learning more about who my mother really was.