Sally Colbert Shaw

Sarah Colbert “Sally” Shaw, of Columbia, Mississippi, passed away at her residence on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 85. A native of Columbia, she was a born to Nelle and David Colbert, Sr. Sally received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Alabama where she was a Chi Omega and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas Law School and lived in Austin from 1969 until moving back to her beloved Columbia in 2017. She was a prolific reader, known for her love of history. Sally enjoyed canoeing, camping, tennis, and teaching life-saving swimming classes. She was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Columbia. Sally loved gatherings with friends and family and will be remembered for her story telling, her wit, and her positive outlook on life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe Colbert and David Colbert; and her husband, John E. Shaw. Sally is survived by her daughter, Claire von Gahlen (Harald); two stepchildren, Amy Thomas (Robert), and Johnny Shaw (Shirin); six grandchildren, Marcus Herzig (Stephanie), Lydia von Gahlen, Robert Thomas, Lauren Thomas, Austin Shaw, and Travis Shaw; a great-granddaughter, Louisa Herzig; a sister-in-law, Ann Fortenberry; and nine nieces and nephews.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date.