Ms. Ruby Mae Shaw

04-25-1929 07-17-2023

Ruby Mae Shaw was born in April 1929 to the late Mr. Elmer Washington and Mrs. Willie Lee Gabriel Washington in Palmer, Texas. She finished Callahan Elementary School in Palmer and completed four high school years at G .W. Carver High School in Ennis, Texas. She attended and finished Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and received her Master of Education Degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. She taught in Palmer Independent School District for three years before marrying E. P. Shaw, Assistant Principal for Terrell Independent School District. Ruby continued to teach second grade in Palmer, Texas, ten years after her marriage. In the fall of 1963, she was employed for Terrell Independent School District and taught there twenty-seven years. After retirement, she taught as a substitute teacher for many years as well as volunteered at Ritter C. Hulsey Public Library as a tutor. She was instrumental in founding the Gabriel Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established to enhance the lives of youth and adults through scholarship and education. Her commitment to education was felt throughout the community. This includes work she and her husband E. P. Shaw did in support of Wiley College through active participation in the Wiley College Alumni Association. Ruby joined Qualls Chapel UMC in Ferris, Texas at an early age. Later in life she joined Warren Chapel UMC in Terrell, Texas where she served in various capacities during her 71 years of service. Her lifelong commitment to faith and education inspired her involvement in the United Methodist Women and support of its reading program.

She was married to E.P. Shaw for 67 years, who preceded her in death. Ruby’s two brothers, Albert Louis Washington and Joe Weldon Washington, also preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories, step-daughter, Anne Lister(Robert), Dallas; step-son Gary Shaw, Orange County, California; nephews Gerald Washington, Rod Washington (Cheryl), Greg Washington (Judith), Ollie Griffin (Linda); nieces Wanda Giddings (Michael), Pam Washington, Francine Coleman (Carl). Sister-in-law Lula Mae McGowan (Cleao); sisters, Willie Mae Simpson and Nina Simon; God daughter, Kiera Walker and a host of step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services: Public Viewing: Friday, July 21 from 5-7, Warren Chapel UMC
Homegoing Celebration: Sat, July 22, @ 12:00 PM
1st United Methodist Church-503 W. College St.-Terrell, Tx
Burial: DFW National Cemetery-Dallas, Tx