Obituary of Jean Shaw

Jean Fleming Shaw, daughter of the late Deacon Joseph H. Fleming Sr. and Dolly B. Fleming was born October 13, 1931 in Cumberland County, Virginia. She transitioned so peacefully in the afternoon of Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, Virginia. At an early age, Jean was converted, baptized and joined the Tearwallet Baptist Church, where her membership remained. During her faithful years of service to the church, she served as a member of the Missionaries, Floral Committee, Homecoming Dinner Committee and was affectionately known for giving the Welcome and Acknowledgement of Visitors on 4th Sundays, particularly the Homecoming services. Jean graduated from Cumberland Training School in 1950 after which she attended and completed Braxton School of Business in New Jersey. After graduation, Jean relocated to New Jersey to live with her older siblings. She was employed at RCA in Harrison then transferred to Edison, New Jersey for over 20 years. In 1974, she was hired by Plainfield Public Schools as the attendance secretary then principal's secretary at Maxsons Middle School until her retirement in 1988. On June 4, 1955, Jean was joined in holy matrimony to Clarence H. Shaw Sr. To this union, two children were born, Clarence "Harold" Shaw Jr. and Michelle Shaw. In 1988, Jean and her husband moved back to Virginia and established their residence in Cumberland. Jean put her heart and soul into her family and had a special love for and nurtured her grandchildren. She was very instrumental in teaching them to cook, clean and "spell." She was a kindred spirit but had the innate ability to make her point well known to everyone she came in contact with. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings: Rev. Shelton, Jacob, Thelma, Beatrice, John, Rache, Annie, and her devoted cousin and friend Virginia Sears Little. She leaves to cherish her fondest memories; her loving and devoted children, Clarence H. Shaw Jr.; Dr. Michelle Rich Belle (Alfonso); three devoted grandchildren, Diamand J. Rich (Endia); Ivana M. Rich; and Jule B. Rich; two great-grandchildren, Karter Marie Rich; Melanie Michelle Rich; one brother, Joseph H. Fleming Jr. (Shirley); three sisters-in-law, Blanche Fleming; Frances Fleming; Francis Fleming; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Momma Shaw, as she was called by so many, had a loving heart for everyone and a distinct humor like none other. Her devoted extended family of many years includes Eleanor Witcher-West; Lessie B. Araya; Jane B. Washington; Teneka Brooks; Taylor M. Johnson; Joanne Woodson- Watkins; Teresa G. Dabney; Rosa Smith; William (Billy) and Rita Holliday. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7