Thelma Handy Shaw

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Thelma Shaw, at the age of 100 of Palmdale, California, announced that she peacefully transitioned to the everlasting rest on December 26, 2025. Thelma (Nee Handy) Shaw was born May 14, 1925 in Jennings, Louisiana to the late Julien and Mary LeBlanc Handy and spiritual mother, the late Eva Lassaint Handy.

She attended Jeff Davis High School in Jennings. After High School, she moved to Palmdale, California and attended Henrietta Beauty School where she received a degree in cosmetology. She finished her formal education at Valley College. She later met William Shaw, who became her husband of 53 years. She went on to own and manage a Beauty and Hair business for many years, and retired in 2011. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and was a founder of the Semper Fidelis club that provided scholarships to underprivileged minority high school students.

Thelma Shaw was a woman of many passions. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic church. She enjoyed bowling, knitting and traveling the world. Some of her favorite destinations were Italy, Switzerland, Jerusalem, Jamaica, Alaska, France, and Puerto Rico.

Surviving her, and cherishing her legacy is her sister in-law Magdalene Handy, 3 nieces; Jacqualine (Nee Handy) Duplantier, Linda Handy, Lisa Handy, 5 nephews; Joseph (Joey) Louis Handy, John (Ray) Handy, Wallace (Cynthia) Handy Jr., Allen Handy, Bryant Handy, along with a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. William Shaw, sister Grace (Nee Handy) McZeal, brothers; Dewey Handy, Joseph L. Handy, Junious Handy, Wallace P. Handy, Lawrence Skinner, parents; Julien and Mary LeBlanc Handy, Eva Lassaint Handy, nephews; Ronald Handy and Phillip (Pee Wee) Handy, Caroline and Brenda Neleas, Denise C. (Nee) Boone, and Brenda Handy.

Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.

–Thomas Moore

I have fought a good fight

I have finished my course

I have kept the faith

– II Timothy 4:7