Elaine Haywood Shaw

Elaine Haywood Shaw
November 13, 1936 – October 14, 2025
Elaine Haywood Shaw, 88, of Humble, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Elaine was born on November 13, 1936, in Millville, New Jersey, to George E. Haywood and Sarah E. (Simpkins) Haywood. She married the love of her life, James Arthur Shaw, in Miami, Florida, on November 17, 1955, where they made their home and began raising their family. They shared 39 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to enduring love and lifelong commitment, faithfully walking through life together with laughter, grace, and a deep devotion to family, until his passing in 1995.
Elaine was a loving and devoted mother to six children: Alan Richard Shaw (wife Apple), Robert James Shaw, Donald Arthur Shaw, Elaine Robyn White, Susan Marie Donaldson (Daniel), and James Arthur Shaw Jr. (Sandra). She was a proud grandmother to James Dean "Jamie" Sheppard (who preceded her in death), Rachel Elaine Turner (Robert), Lucas John Weintritt (Madison), Matthew John Weintritt (Katy), Georgie Shaw, Meagan Alexandra Shaw, Aidan Cooper Shaw, and Jude Patrick Shaw. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy.
Elaine especially cherished time with her children and grandchildren, welcoming and nurturing each new grandchild as the Lord brought them into her life. She was truly in her element when her home was filled with the laughter and love of her family. Her ability to comfort, guide, and love children was one of her most defining gifts, surely given by the Lord.
She balanced work and family with grace, creating a home filled with warmth and love; whether packing picnics, preparing holiday feasts, or baking cupcakes on short notice for school events. She found great joy in making everyday moments special.
Elaine began her working life at Burdines Department Store in Miami and later became a respected office manager at North American Van Lines. After relocating to Live Oak, Florida, she continued serving others as a pharmacy technician, known for her kindness and dedication.
Elaine and her husband showed deep respect for family throughout their lives. When James's mother, Etta Mae "Grandmom" Green, was widowed, they welcomed her into their South Florida home. After James's passing, Elaine moved to Live Oak, where her son-in-law Dan built her a home on his and Susan's property, Bit O' Heaven Acres, a special place for many family gatherings filled with love, laughter, and the occasional tears. It was a deeply meaningful chapter in her life, surrounded by family in a peaceful rural setting.
She especially enjoyed trips to Georgia and New York to be with her youngest son, Jim, and his family. Time with her grandsons Aidan and Jude brought her great joy; they loved her dearly and were always excited to have her nearby for birthdays and summer vacations.
In retirement, Elaine also visited family in New Jersey, Colorado, and Texas. She often stayed with her sisters Anna and Sarah Jane and shared many treasured memories with her niece Doris and her family, who visited her in Florida and graciously hosted her in New Jersey. She was deeply loved by her many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
In 2017, Elaine moved to Texas to live with her daughter Elaine Robyn and son-in-law Dan, who lovingly cared for her as if she were his own mother. She enjoyed being near her grandchildren Rachel, Luke, and Matt and their families. Her days were filled with camping trips, peaceful walks in the park, and regular visits to family in Florida, New Jersey, and Colorado. Some of the greatest joys of her later years.
In 2020, Jim, Sandra, Aidan, and Jude traveled to Florida to celebrate her birthday. Sandra, a loving and creative presence in the family, thoughtfully prepared decorations that made the celebration especially memorable. Elaine deeply appreciated Sandra's warmth, and the two shared a bond of kindness and love.
In 2023, Elaine traveled with her daughter Elaine Robyn to Colorado for Aidan's high school graduation. They were graciously hosted by Jim, Sandra, Amy, Aidan, and Jude, and enjoyed joyful days together; sharing meals, laughter, and peaceful moments surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Colorado, one of God's most magnificent creations.
In 2024, Elaine and Elaine Robyn flew to New Jersey, where she visited with her three eldest sons Alan, Bob, and Don, all together. She truly cherished this time. Precious memories were made, and many hugs and much love were shared.
In her final days, Elaine spoke of reuniting with her family in heaven and looked forward to seeing her husband and grandson Jamie. It brought her peace and a sweet smile to think about being with her loved ones again. She said with assurance, "We will all get to be together." Though we will deeply miss her gentle presence, we take great comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and Savior, and with the family who arrived ahead of her.
Elaine shared a unique and tender bond with her first grandchild, James Dean "Jamie" Sheppard, who preceded her in death. As "Mom-Mom" and later "Granny," she lovingly guided her daughter Susan through motherhood, creating a legacy of wisdom and nurturing that brought her immeasurable joy. In 2017, Jamie drove her on a memorable road trip from Florida to New Jersey; a time both deeply treasured.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband James; her grandson Jamie; great-grandson Michael James Sheppard; beloved son-in-law Daniel Morgan White; and her siblings: George, Dorothy, Anna, Joseph, Clara, Mary, and William.
She is survived by her loving sister, Sarah Jane Powell, with whom she shared a lifelong and deeply cherished bond; and by Amy Shaw, mother of her grandsons Aidan and Jude, whose close and enduring relationship with Elaine remained strong throughout the years.
Elaine will be remembered for her beautiful smile, warmth, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She prayed faithfully for her loved ones. Her encouragement, kindness, and open heart made her home a place of comfort and peace. There are countless joyful memories shared with family and friends. She was a tremendous blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy lives on through the lives she nurtured and the love she gave so freely.
Elaine lived out the scripture:
"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." -Proverbs 31:26
Though we grieve Elaine's passing, we do not grieve without hope. As Scripture reminds us, we wait eagerly for "the redemption of our bodies"-a day when all will be made new. In Christ, death is not the end, but the beginning of a glorious transformation.
Romans 8:23–25 "And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved."
Memorial services will be planned for a later date. Interment will take place at the Alton Church of God Cemetery in Mayo, Florida, alongside her husband.
Elaine leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.