Virginia Shaw

age 95, went to her eternal home in heaven on November 3, 2011. She was born to the late E.C. and Emily Lester on October 22, 1916. After her mother’s passing at an early age, she was raised by her father and stepmother, Mary Ellen Vaught Lester. She was married to the late Harold Shaw in 1946 and they lived in Crab Orchard, KY. She relocated to her daughter’s home in Odenville, AL in 2007. She is survived by daughter, Ellen (Don) Olvey of Odenville, AL; granddaughters, Emily (Jim) Cazola, Katie (Carey) Tuck; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Dawson and Eli Cazola, Shaw and Abbey Grace Tuck, all of Mt.Olive, AL; sister-in-law, Louise (Thomas) Coulter of Nashville, TN and several beloved nieces and nephews. Special thanks to her precious caregivers, Peggy Yocum, Glenda Whitcomb, and Mary Mabry. Virginia Shaw was a lifetime educator in Lincoln and Boyle Counties in KY. Having taught at Junction City, Stanford High School and Lincoln County High School, she was an outstanding and well-respected leader both in the classroom and throughout the state of Kentucky. As a teacher her expertise was in Latin and English. At Stanford High School, she was Senior Class Sponsor and while teaching at Lincoln High School she served as chairperson of the Language Arts Department and Senior Sponsor. She was always passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students. Her leadership abilities were recognized as she served in many educational organizations, such as president of Lincoln Co. Teachers Association, president of KEA, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Following her retirement she remained active in education. She was a diligent worker, always striving to improve educational opportunities for students. She served on the Lincoln County School Board, and served as president of Lincoln Co. Retired Teachers Assoc., and Kentucky Retired Teachers Assoc., she traveled throughout the state of KY stressing the need for education and emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning. She also remained active in numerous civic organizations in Lincoln Co. Virginia was an active member of the Christian Church in Crab Orchard, KY. She enjoyed serving her LORD and her church by being pianist and organist, Sunday School teacher, and church treasurer. Virginia Shaw influenced many lives—not only as a classroom teacher, but as a teacher of strong Christian faith. She was her student’s mentor and confidant. To those who were fortunate to know Virginia Shaw, she was a wonderful friend who will always be loved and deeply missed. Visitation will be held at McKnight Funeral Home in Crab Orchard, KY on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 4 until 8. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Crab Orchard Christian Church on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11am with burial to follow in the Crab Orchard Cemetery. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Crab Orchard Christian Church, Box 172, Crab Orchard, KY 40419.

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Virginia Shaw

October 22, 1916 - November 3, 2011