Elizabeth Garbutt Shaw

Elizabeth Garbutt Shaw, 90, passed away at Sterling House of Tallahassee on Monday, August 27, 2012.

Elizabeth was born on October 9th, 1921, in Statenville, GA, the 10th of 11 children and 4th of 5 daughters of Allie and Lida Garbutt. Only one of her siblings survives, Sarah Duncan of Gainsville, FL.

She graduated from Valdosta High School and attended Valdosta State College.

Elizabeth met James Henry Shaw in grade school in Valdosta, GA. The two were married on December 14, 1939. They remained married for over 72 years until her death. As a young girl, Elizabeth was known for her beautiful auburn-colored hair and her love of swimming. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and always loved nature by watching birds play and the blooming of flowers in the spring. She possessed an honesty and a flare for lucid clarity matched by very few. She never once complained about raising children alone during World War II while her husband was fighting in the Pacific or moving the family every few years as he worked in the railroad and trucking business. She loved her family at St. Paul's Methodist in Tallahassee so very much and nothing garnered a smile more than receiving a letter or picture in the mail from her friends and family. Even in the final days of her life, she remained graceful and loving to all who shared a few minutes of their day with her.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, James Henry Shaw and daughter, Janice Shaw Marsh both of Tallahassee and son, Aubrey Allan Shaw of Biloxi, MS. James and Elizabeth have 6 grandchildren and 13 great-grand children.

Graveside services will be conducted on Friday, August 31, 2012, at 10:00 AM, at Roselawn Cemetery.

Elizabeth's family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.