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Hollis Shaw Obituary
May 17, 1931 - December 25, 2023
Durham, North Carolina - Hollis William Shaw was born May 17, 1931 in Durham, North Carolina, to Grover and Catherine Shaw. He passed away December 25, 2023 in Durham. Hollis graduated Lincoln Academy in 1949 and served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He graduated Talladega College in 1959, and earned his master's in clinical psychology from NCCU in 1961. He married Genora Lassiter in 1965.
After eight years working as a clinical psychologist at schools for the developmentally disabled, Hollis began working in 1970 at the Wassaic Developmental Center in Wassaic, NY. In 1978, he was promoted to Director, managing a facility that housed more than two thousand people with developmental disabilities. He retired as Director in 1995. His time at Wassaic was his life's work and his proudest achievement. Hollis was an educator, a reformer, and a passionate advocate for social equity.
He is predeceased by his parents; his brother, Grover Jr; his sister, Naomi Shaw Watson; his granddaughter, Angela Johnson Dewar; and his wife of 56 years, Genora Lassiter Shaw.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Kathryn Shaw and Rev. Chaneta L. Johnson; his brother, Bob; his sisters, Marie Shaw Simmons and Helen S. Forte; his sister-in-law, Georgia L. Lawrence; and his "brother-in-love," Ed Johnson. He also leaves three grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and a host of loving relatives and friends.
His service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Burthey Funeral Chapel 1510 Fayetteville Street Durham, NC 27707. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM prior to the service. The public viewing will take place Friday, January 5, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hollis Shaw
Sponsored by Burthey Funeral Service.
5 Entries
Judy Gunn Evans
January 26, 2024
As a kid in Durham this Gentleman visited my neighborhood at Jenny and Delores Winston My beloved "Friends". My condolence's .... Judy Gunn Evans
jeanine sisco
January 14, 2024
Hollis Shaw was a man who had such a positive impact on so many. He inspired me and others to treat all people with dignity, kindness and respect, to honor the gifts that all people have. Beyond that, he was a Leader who was respected and admired. There are few people who cross our paths in this lifetime who have truly made this world a better place. Hollis Shaw has made a difference on so many levels and has made our world a better place! I am grateful to have known him, worked with him and been inspired by him. My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Rosalyn Finn Zeigler
January 7, 2024
I have fond memories of my classmate at Talladega.
Rest in peace, Classmate.
Anita Scott Neville (Neet)
January 6, 2024
The Shaws are a family that makes others feel like family. I am blessed to be in that number. Fond and fun memories of at home celebrations with the Shaws are mine to treasure. Last Memorial Day was no exception when we gathered at Hollis' for good food, a lot of laughter and some shared reflections about life. Hollis was always the source of a subtle wit. He could keep things going in jovial energy or cause you to pause and ponder a thought or situation in a different light. Hollis' life story is filled with highlights of exceptions and struggles. His story-telling was engaging and worth being heard. What a big brother, society seer, wordsmith and smooth guy is my cherished experience of knowing Hollis Shaw. Bob, Marie and Helen we do miss our brother. Peace
Victoria Joyner Phillips
January 5, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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