Barbara Jean Morrow Shaw was born in Somerville, Tennessee, on January 1, 1941, to the late Mr. Levi Morrow Sr. and Mrs. Hattie Boyle Morrow. She was raised in a loving and nurturing household where she learned the values of faith, family and the importance of education. She was the nineth child of her siblings whom she shared a special bond of love and laughter.

Growing up during segregation, Barbara was determined to rise above adversity. Encouraged by her family and inspired by her teachers, she pursued her education at Morrow’s Grove Elementary School and Fayette County Training School in 1959. She later attended Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1963. She taught in the elementary school system there for more than thirty years; retiring at the age of 65. Later she returned to education by substitute teaching for an additional 10 years.

Barbara was raised in Morrow’s Grove CME Church and later united with St. Paul CME Church in Jackson, Tennessee. There, she served faithfully for more than 50 years as a devoted stewardess and Sunday School teacher. Her life reflected a deep commitment to service, not only to her church but also to her community. She volunteered with AARP and the Regional Interfaith Association (RIFA), always answering the call to help those in need.

A woman of strength and perseverance, Barbara was no stranger to hard work. She was born during the era of sharecropping, and her family labored in those fields until 1952. Through the support of family members, including her cousin Fanny Armour-who migrated north and established her own business-and Dr. Otie Armour, the family was able to purchase land and farm independently to this day.

Barbara met the love of her life, Mr. Freddy Shaw, who had recently returned from service in the United States Navy. The two were united in holy matrimony in 1964. From this blessed union came four beloved children: Gerald, Felecia, Kelsey, and Mallery, whom Barbara and Freddy lovingly embraced as their bonus daughter. Together they built a loving home in Jackson, Tennessee and created a loving and supportive homelife for their children which allowed each of them to flourish in their adult lives.

Barbara found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid gardener who lovingly grew vegetables and beautiful flowers, often helping friends and neighbors tend to their gardens. She enjoyed reading the newspaper—from The Commercial Appeal in her youth to The Jackson Sun in her later years, along with doing word search puzzles to challenge her intellect. Her fashion sense was impeccable, and she was ALWAYS dressed to impress for every occasion throughout her life.

Barbara was a proud and devoted grandmother to six grandchildren: Elle, Kendall, and Riley Shaw; Kristin G. Truelove; and Brittny and Christian Hobbs. She was also blessed with one great-grandson, Nature Ervin. They were the absolute joys of her life, and she relished in teaching them about the power and importance of prayer and family.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: husband Freddy Shaw, son, Gerald K. Shaw (Ricki), daughter, Felecia Shaw McKissack (Jeff), son, Kelsey M. Shaw, and bonus daughter, Mallery K. Hobbs (Steven); six grandchildren—Elle Hill, Kendall Shaw, Riley Shaw, Kristin Truelove, Brittny and Christian Hobbs—and one great-grandson, Nature Ervin; bonus granddaughters, Avery McKissack, Brittainy Hobbs, Emmy McKissack; her last surviving sibling Clementine Morrow Bell (Frank), of Omaha, NE, whom she shared a special bond and spent several weeks with shortly before she passed; a host of nieces and nephews and a multitude of family and friends who love her dearly.

Barbara Jean Morrow Shaw lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and love. Her legacy will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.