With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Blanche T. Shaw 92, of Lane, SC, widow of the late John Shaw, who passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024.

Life Reflection

Psalms 118:24

"Let us rejoice and be glad."

Blanche Taylor Shaw, affectionately known as, Momma, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Blanche, Cousin Blanche, Mrs. Blanche, and Mother Shaw, lived a life of service and resiliency. Whatever she could do for anyone, she tried her best to do it.  She was indeed a pillar in the Greater Jerusalem and Santee community.

Blanche was birthed on November 13, 1931, to Lillie Sabb Cokely who preceded her in death.  She received her wings and peacefully joined her and many other loved ones on July 5, 2024.  Although her physical health began to decline, her mental and spiritual livelihood remained sharp and strong. She would say, "pray for me, and I'll pray for you".  She adored God, church, her family, her friends, her community, and she enjoyed her word search puzzles and the soap operas.

Blanche has been a member of Greater Jerusalem A.M.E. Church all her life and served as an usher, steward, missionary, and class leader for many years.  She also raised her children at Jerusalem and ensured that they attended church and school without fail.  She was educated in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and after receiving her high school diploma she found the love of her life and married John Shaw, who departed this earth early in life.  She dedicated her life to her seven children, the community, and never re-married.  During Blanche's adulthood years, she took keen care of her children, worked as a caregiver, seamstress, homemaker, daycare, and business employee.  She later founded and became the CEO of the first community convenient store and nightclub.  As her grandchildren were born, she was always the first one there and helped to groom and raise many of them, along with her great-grandchildren.  She was a dear family member and friend that many confided in.

Blanche lived a life of dedication, love, and service. Close family that preceded her in death: siblings, Saul, Delma, Walter, and Samuel Cokley, Willie Redden, Cliff Henry and Francis 'Sister' Mortimer; one dear sister-in-law, Margaret Armstrong; one daughter-in-law, Deborah Shaw; one adopted son, Thomas Pressley, Sr.; and three grandchildren.

Loved ones left to cherish her memories:  her children, Francis Shaw of Washington, DC, Loretta Mills Ruffin (Rev. Odell) of Georgetown, SC, Herbert Shaw (Nedra) of Atlanta, GA, Margaret Shaw of Lane, SC, Betty Moyd (Daryel) of Andrews, SC, Evangelist Bobbie Woods (Pastor Tommy), of Kingstree, SC, and Glen Shaw (Janice) of Atlanta, GA; a host of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; a dear niece/God-daughter, Gwendolyn Wade (Thomas); and a godson, Bryant Burroughs.

Siblings left to cherish her memories:  Carrie Stevens (Billy), Linda Cokley, Lorraine Cokley, and Loretta Monroe (Nathan) all of Whiteville, NC, Rose Brunson, Okereta Stafford, Mildred Brunson all of Minnesota, Elizabeth Mortimer, Pastor Mary Morris of Miami, FL, and Nadine Henry of South Carolina; one brother, Matthew Robinson of Charleston, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family is receiving friends and family at 4267 Santee Road, Lane, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.