Zora Gwendolyn Patterson Shaw

Zora Gwendolyn Patterson Shaw, 100, of Midland and Rankin, passed away on August 29, 2012. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Rankin, Texas with Pastor Jennifer Kelley of First United Methodist Church of Rankin officiating. Interment will follow at the Rankin Cemetery. Gwen was born on July 27, 1912 to John D. and Noda Pollard Patterson. She was a life-long resident of Rankin and graduated from Rankin High School. In 1933 she met and married the love of her life, Hurchell Dallas Shaw. They were married for 45 years until his death. Gwen and Hurchell had two daughters, Jean and Ann, who were the light of their lives. They spent many happy years participating in all aspects of their daughter's lives. Gwen was much beloved by her family and friends because she was the most loving and giving person in the world. Her laughter and sense of humor have carried many through good times and bad. Her goodness and strength have made us all better people. Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Hurchell Shaw, and her daughter Jean Shaw McEwen, her parents, her brothers, Ralph, John, Fush and Paul Patterson; her sisters, Blanche Holmes and Madge Howell. Survivors include daughter, Ann Shaw Tilley; grandchildren, Jan McEwen Bessire and husband, Mike, Julie McEwen Larson, Joe Paul McEwen and wife Karen; great-grandchildren, Lauren Bessire DeBree, Elizabeth Bessire, Kyle Larson, Kacey Larson, Haley Larson, Rebecca Koch, Rachel McEwen, Christopher McEwen, Paul McEwen, Hollie Mansfield, Sarah Mansfield and Brian Repp; great great-grandson, Michael DeBree; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com