Sara “Jean” Shaw passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Brookwood Hospital on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 at the age of 84. She is survived by her brother Cecil Allen “Jerry” Turnipseed (Nikki), two sons Steven Doyle Shaw (Jamelle) and Stanley Gene Shaw (Susan) and her grandson Zachary Stanton Shaw. She was born in Maplesville, AL on April 5, 1936, the eldest of three siblings. She was preceded in death by her husband, E. Doyle Shaw, parents, Walter “Eugene” Turnipseed and Jewel Mitchell Turnipseed, and her brother Joe “Larry” Turnipseed.
She attended Jones Valley High School in Birmingham, and immediately following graduation she joined her husband “Doyle” at the former Schilling Air Force Base in Selina, KS. After Doyle’s military service, the couple moved to Tuscaloosa, AL and Jean worked to support her husband to allow him to graduate from the University of Alabama. The couple then moved to Birmingham and Jean became a homemaker and also worked for many years with Dewberry Engraving Company.
She and Doyle were married for just over 63 years. Jean was an avid golfer and was a member of Chase Lake Country Club and Hoover Country Club and held many leadership positions in Ladies Golf. She was an ardent Bridge player and continued to play later in life. She and her husband Doyle loved to travel and were active members of Bluff Park United Methodist Church. In addition to golf and bridge, Jean and Doyle were very active in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s at Shades Mountain and Hoover’s youth football and baseball programs. They had a significant impact and were a strong influence on many young men’s lives. She continued that influence with her grandson Zac and their relationship remained very close throughout the years.
There will be a graveside service celebrating Jean’s life beginning at 2PM on Sunday February 21st at Union – United Methodist Church, The Church at Chelsea Park and Interment will follow. The service will be led by Mike Holly, Senior Pastor of Bluff Park United Methodist Church under the direction of Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham.