Vincent Shaw Sr.

1940 - 2017

Vincent Shaw Sr.

Opelousas - Vincent Lee Shaw, Sr., of Opelousas, Louisiana, entered eternal rest at the age of 77 on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at his residence.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Mt Olive Baptist Church in Opelousas, LA. Reverend Brian Alfred will be officiating. VIsitation will be observed on Saturday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church from 7:30 AM until time of service. Alpha Phi Alpha will conduct the Omega Service at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow the funeral in Bellevue Memorial Cemetery Park in Opelousas. Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to Williams Funeral Home.

Vincent was born on February 18, 1940, in Opelousas, Louisiana to the late Lucille Frank Norton and Cain Shaw. He graduated from J.S. Clark High School and continued on to Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he received a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Later, he also received a Master's of Education in Administration and Supervision from Southern University and A&M College. Vincent was an educator for 30 years. He was dedicated to enhancing the educational and social growth of his students during his teaching career in St. Landry Parish and Acadia Parish. He was also extremely passionate about coaching. He assisted with women's basketball, however, his love was track and field. He worked tirelessly with his athletes and was instrumental in leading his team to many championships.

Vincent was actively involved in his community. He was always willing to put others before himself. He was a charter member of the Iota Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was well known for gift of grant writing throughout the state of Louisiana. He was very successful at his endeavors and many of his developments had a huge impact on St. Landry Parish. His foresight on the need for affordable and accessible healthcare, lead to the development and opening of Southwest Primary Healthcare Center; which is a cornerstone for healthcare in St. Landry parish to date. He was instrumental in organizing and opening St. Landry Charter School as well as the Agromen, Inc.

Vincent was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend to all who knew him. Left to cherish in his memory are his wife of 45 years, LouAnna Guidry Shaw of Opelousas, Louisiana; three sons, Sorone Shaw (Kizzy) of Seattle, WA, Deshawn Shaw of Lafayette, LA, and Dr. Vincent Shaw, Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA; four daughters, Dana Taylor (Gerald) of Mansfield, TX, Terran Shaw of Lafayette, LA, Carlotta Casey (David) of Chicago, IL, and Ashley Shaw of Opelousas, LA; two sisters, Willie Mae McConnell and Alma Shaw both of Opelousas; three brothers Vern Shaw (Beverly), Larry Shaw (Beverly), and Lopez Shaw; eight grandchildren, Gerald Taylor, Jr., Geordan Taylor, Terri Smith, Derrian Smith, Devan Smith, Akira Shaw, Akila Shaw, and Addison Casey; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Shaw was preceded in death by his parents, Cain Shaw and Lucille Frank Norton; step-father Felton Norton, a brother Alvin Shaw, and nephew James McConnell.