Rev. Yvonne Shaw

REVEREND YVONNE SHAW

On July 29, God decided to loan us one of his most precious angels, Reverend Yvonne Shaw, to remind us that "Service is the rent we pay for our space on earth". Her parents, Jessie Lee and Adolphus Shaw, honored the Lord by providing her with the foundation to become a great Servant Leader. She welcomed everyone as a member of her personal family by providing encouragement, love, food, and other necessities that may be needed to navigate life. Reverend Shaw loved to use terms of endearment such as "Sugar Plum" and "Darling"

Reverend Yvonne Shaw was a woman of extraordinary grace, unwavering faith, and impeccable style. A native daughter of Atlanta, Georgia-raised in the historic 4th Ward Grady Homes community-she embodied the brilliance, boldness, and beauty of a life wholly devoted to God and service. Whether dressed in a flowing white suit or adorned in her signature shades and pearls, she carried herself as a vessel of holiness and hope.

A proud graduate of David T. Howard High School, where she excelled academically. In both high school and college, she incorporated the skills she learned with the Morris Brown College Band to become Head Majorette. Yvonne went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Fort Valley State University and her master's in education from Howard University. She spent most of her professional life as a passionate educator in both the Atlanta Public School System and the Washington, D.C. School System, shaping generations of students with wisdom, faith, and high expectations.

Beyond the classroom, Reverend Shaw was a true missionary and evangelist-an ordained servant of the Lord for more than 23 years-ministering in both the Atlanta and Washington metropolitan areas. Her ministry transcended the pulpit: she preached through action, service, and love. She cheerfully gave out school supplies, distributed food, organized toy drives, and uplifted families with the same joy she shared in her ministry. She volunteered as a chaplain with Howard University's Athletic Department, mentored countless youth, and taught etiquette, discipline, and self-respect through her "Kings and Queens" classes. In addition, she implemented Teen Parent Programs for young teen mothers. She would go on to Found and organize the Howard University Summer Youth Camps. Later, she would continue to mentor and take these students throughout the world because she believed that such experiential activities would make them lifelong learners.

Reverend Shaw was also a trusted advisor, armor bearer, and intercessor to many prominent clergy throughout the region. Her prayers were powerful, her counsel was wise, and her loyalty was unwavering. Those who served alongside her in ministry knew her as both a spiritual warrior and a woman of profound discernment.

A lifelong advocate for justice and civic engagement, Reverend Shaw was a lead volunteer for President Barack Obama's campaign and inauguration ceremonies, proudly helping mobilize communities of faith and action. She was also a fixture at Atlanta City Hall, where she stood as both supporter and conscience-celebrating leaders when they served the people and held them accountable when they did not.

But perhaps her most enduring legacy was her role as the visionary behind the Historic Southwest Atlanta Cascade Christmas Kwanza Parade. For decades, Reverend Shaw spearheaded this beloved community tradition-bringing Christmas cheer, gifts, and joy to underserved youth and families throughout the city. Each parade reflected her boundless heart and impeccable sense of celebration-bright costumes, smiling children, gospel music, and the love of Christ filling the streets.

Her lifetime of service was honored at every level-from the White House to City Hall-including recognition by President Barack Obama, multiple Phoenix Awards from Atlanta mayors, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Drum Major for Justice" Award, the Dorothy Height Black Family Reunion Award, the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics and even the Key to the City of Atlanta. She was also celebrated by the Concerned Black Clergy, Morehouse College, Howard University, and countless community organizations, who recognized her as both a legend and a leader.

Her heart for others was deeply rooted in her family's legacy of advocacy. Her grandfather, Mr. Robert Shaw, Sr., was a community champion for whom the Robert Shaw, Sr. Theme School in DeKalb County was named. From him, she inherited the unshakable belief that when you rise, you must lift others with you.

Creativity was in her DNA. She enjoyed sewing, decorating, and helping others design and create beautiful accessories and environments. Often, she would discuss how children should be provided with opportunities to develop their creative talents to build their self-esteem.

Reverend Shaw was also a devoted caregiver to her beloved parents, Adolphus and Jessie Lee Shaw, during their latter years-honoring them with compassion, faithfulness, and love until their transition. Their devotion and discipline shaped the woman she became, and she embodied their legacy in every act of service and every prayer she prayed.

She leaves to cherish her radiant memory two loving daughters, Vashti Lawson of Atlanta, GA, and Vonnetta (Dr. Philip) Gidley of Ridgeland, MS; three adoring grandsons, Cedrick (Sayvi) Lemons, Jr. (16), Phinehas C. Gidley (8), and Samuel L. Gidley (4), and God- brother Big Daddy (Marcus S.); and a host of relatives, spiritual children, mentees, and lifelong friends.

Reverend Yvonne Shaw's life was a living ministry rooted in faith, wrapped in elegance, and poured out in service.

Servanthood was her true passion. She never met a stranger. Rev. Shaw was led by her undeniable faith. She firmly believed that "Only What You Do for Christ Will Last," further proving that all of her community work was never for the shine but to be pleasing in the eyes of God. Rev. Shaw was a true trailblazer. Her radiant spirit, timeless beauty, and fearless love for people will forever illuminate the city she served with such passion.

"Each One Teach One Until All are taught "– African Proverb

"When you learn, find ten more people or kids and pull them up." - A. Philip Randolph

"We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." – Barack Obama

She did just that. And because of her, generations will continue to rise.

A Proverbs 31 Tribute to Evangelist Yvonne Shaw

"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

- Proverbs 31:29

Clothed in strength and dignity,

She walked with purpose and prayed with power.

Her words were seasoned with wisdom,

And her tongue spoke kindness and truth.

She rose early to serve others,

Feeding the hungry, comforting the broken,

Guiding the young and honoring her elders.

Her hands built what her heart envisioned-

A legacy of love, faith, and service.

She was fearless in righteousness,

Fashioned with grace and adorned with the beauty of holiness.

Her works praise her in the gates,

And her light will never be dim.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30