Justine Eleanor (McMurry) Shaw

Justine Shaw went home to be with her Savior on November 17, 2017. Justine was born to Aaron and Grace (Tullos) McMurry on July 16, 1934, in Winnfield, Louisiana. She graduated from Winnfield High School and attended Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she met the love of her life, Bill W. Shaw. Justine and Bill were married on April 15, 1954, and spent the next 63 years on a joy-filled journey of marriage. Justine accompanied Bill during his Army service at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and then to the University of Missouri as Bill completed his doctor’s degree. Along the way, two boys were born into their family, Bill, Jr., and Bobby. Justine was one of the most creative and energetic women God ever put on the earth. Supreme confidence enabled her to tackle any task: quilting, stained glass, upholstering furniture, gardening, flower arranging, canning, sewing (especially sewing clothes for her granddaughters). The consummate hostess and homemaker, Justine took great joy in the kitchen; she was happiest when she was preparing dinner “with all the trimmings” for her extended family – biological and otherwise. Her friendship was faithful, self-sacrificing and loyal. Over the years, Justine faithfully served her Lord at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches in numerous capacities. She was a teacher, a hostess, a committed volunteer to the youth of the church, as well as an active supporter of the women’s missionary organizations. She hosted countless dinners and social activities of the church with an unparalleled flair. Her family was her pride and joy. She delighted in serving her husband, her sons, and their wives, and, perhaps most of all, her grandchildren. There was no place like Gramma’s house for a holiday celebration – or a slumber party or “tea party.” Her energy in planning and preparing events for her grandchildren was “glorious.” Justine is survived by her husband, Bill; her sons, Bill (Jess) Shaw of Natchitoches and Bobby (Gloria) Shaw of Billings, Montana; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; her brother, Gilbert (Jeanette) McMurry of Baton Rouge; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Justine’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Tommy Rush officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Baptist Church of Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2017, at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Memorials in Justine’s name may be made to First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 508 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.