Mrs. Pretoria-Tshwane 2023 Shannon Bilijon Dies at 49 After Brief Illness

Tributes pour in for beloved pageant queen and charity founder who died after a brief illness

The Pretoria-Tshwane community is in mourning following the unexpected death of Shannon Bilijon, the reigning Mrs. Pretoria-Tshwane 2023, who passed away on Friday at the age of 49.

Bilijon, remembered as a radiant public figure with a deep passion for charity work, died in hospital just six days after being admitted with a high fever, a brief but tragic illness that quickly escalated into heart and lung failure.

A Fever, Then Rapid Decline

According to her husband, Marius Bilijon, blood tests revealed Shannon was in the early stages of kidney failure when she was admitted. She was quickly moved to ICU, but her condition deteriorated. Within days, her lungs and heart gave out.

Her sudden passing has left friends, family, and fans reeling.

“We’re still in disbelief,” a family friend said. “Just a week ago, she was working, smiling, giving. It happened so fast.”

A Crown with a Cause

Crowned Mrs. Pretoria-Tshwane 2023, Shannon wasn’t just a beauty queen, she was a woman on a mission. Alongside her husband, she co-founded Shoose Life, a non-profit that has provided over 20,000 pairs of school shoes, made from recycled materials, to children in need across South Africa.

Her charity work made a real difference in the lives of thousands of families, especially in under-resourced communities where basic school essentials remain a luxury.

She also helped run the couple’s restaurant in Garsfontein, all while being a devoted wife, mother of two adult children, and a woman of strong faith.

Tributes from Pageant Family and Beyond

Heartfelt tributes have been pouring in across social media, many from the local pageant and charity communities who knew Shannon as more than just a public figure.

Mrs. Johannesburg 2025, Thandiwe G. Melato, shared an emotional post:

“Oh dear Shannon… Why did you break our hearts like this? What a special human you were — a powerful woman of God, dedicated to transforming lives and making a great impact in this world.”

“Thank you for your kindness to me and the love you so proudly shared with the world. Rest in Glory, sis.”

Others described her as “light in every room,” “humble yet powerful,” and “the kind of woman who made you believe in good again.”

A Final Goodbye

Shannon Bilijon will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 18, at 11:00 AM. Her funeral service will be held at Faith City Church in Centurion, where she was known to be a faithful congregant.

She is survived by her husband, Marius, and her two adult children, a son and a daughter who have asked for privacy as they grieve.

A Legacy That Will Outlive Her

While her passing has left an aching void, Shannon Bilijon’s legacy of love, empowerment, and generosity will live on through Shoose Life, her family, and the countless lives she touched.

She wore her crown with grace, not just on stage, but in life. South Africa remembers her not only as Mrs. Pretoria-Tshwane 2023, but as a queen in the truest sense.

{Source: The Citizen}

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