Kris Jenner Mom Mary Jo Mj Shannon

Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, mother of Kris Jenner, passed away at 91, leaving a lasting legacy as a matriarch, entrepreneur, a

Mary Jo Campbell, known as MJ Shannon, was born on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas. She attended a charm school called Fashionality at age 15 and pursued modeling before marrying young. Her first marriage to a high school boyfriend lasted only about two months. She later married Robert True "Bob" Houghton, with whom she had two daughters, Kris and Karen, before divorcing when Kris was seven. MJ’s third marriage was to businessman Harry Shannon, lasting roughly four decades until his death in 2003

Career and Entrepreneurship

MJ Shannon was a successful entrepreneur. In 1980, she opened Shannon & Company, a children’s clothing boutique in La Jolla, California, which became a family hub where Kris and later granddaughter Kim Kardashian worked. The store’s distinctive leopard print motif influenced the family’s fashion sense and business ventures. MJ’s guidance and example helped shape the retail and business instincts of her descendants, contributing to the later success of the Kardashian-Jenner enterprises

Family Influence and Legacy

MJ was widely regarded as the heart of the Kardashian-Jenner family. Kris Jenner described her mother as teaching the importance of unconditional love, resilience, kindness, and family unity. MJ appeared on reality shows including Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Kardashians, and Celebrity Family Feud, often showcasing her dry wit and matriarchal presence

. Her influence extended to her grandchildren, with Kim Kardashian crediting MJ for instilling a strong work ethic and business acumen

MJ Shannon was a two-time cancer survivor, having battled breast and colon cancer. In her final months, she privately faced metastatic lung cancer, which contributed to her death. According to her death certificate, she passed away on July 16, 2026, at a Los Angeles hospital from acute cardiopulmonary arrest, with acute respiratory failure and metastatic lung cancer listed as contributing factors. She was cremated on July 23, 2026

Kris Jenner and her children paid heartfelt tributes to MJ, emphasizing her role as a loving mother and grandmother. Kris highlighted that MJ’s lessons and love continue to live on in the family, shaping their values and traditions. Kim Kardashian reflected on MJ’s influence in teaching her to be a hardworking businesswoman and providing her first job

Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon’s life was marked by family devotion, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience, leaving a profound impact on the Kardashian-Jenner family and those who knew her.

Mary Shannon Obituary (1934-2026) · La Jolla, California, U.S ...

https://memoritree.com/memorial/mary-jo-shannon

Kris Jenner’s Mom Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon Dead at 91

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Kris Jenner's mother Mary Jo 'MJ' Shannon dies at 91

https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/kris-jenners-mother-mary-jo-mj-shannon-dies/story?id=134826077

Kris Jenner’s mom Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon’s cause of death revealed

Jul 28, 2026 · A cause of death has been revealed for Kris Jenner’s mother, Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon, who died at 91 on July 16.

Kris Jenner’s Mom Dead: Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon Was 91 - People.com

1:22 Jul 16, 2026 · Kris Jenner is mourning the death of her mom Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon at age 91. “Today, … Author: Benjamin VanHoose

Kris Jenner’s mom Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon’s cause of death ... - MSN

Jul 28, 2026 · Kris Jenner ’s mom Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon ’s official cause of death has been determined. MJ died on July 16, at age 91.

Kris Jenner’s mom dies: Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon was 91

Jul 16, 2026 · Mary Jo Shannon, the beloved mother of reality star Kris Jenner, died Thursday at 91.