Mary Chandler Shaw

Services for Mary Nell Chandler Shaw, 72 of Tyler, will be held on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Green Acres Baptist Church with Rev. Paul W. Powell officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Springs Cemetery in Ben Wheeler, Texas under direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Nell, Beloved Wife, Mother and Nanna, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. She was born July 16, 1936 to Wesley and Cordie Mae Chandler. She was raised on the family’s farm in Ben Wheeler, Texas with her two sisters and brother. Growing up, Nell loved to ride horses, especially Dixie. It was in Ben Wheeler on a beautiful day in April 1958 that a long time acquaintance got brave enough to send his little brother into the local café and ask Nell to come out to his car. She accepted the invitation; that was the beginning of a spring and summer filled with love and romance and she then married Bob Shaw in August 1958. As a graduate of Draughn Business School in Dallas, Nell began her professional career at General Electric, in Tyler. She then worked at Dresser Industries for 17 years followed by Brookshire Grocery Company for 16 in the Communications /Advertising Department. She was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church for 45 years where she served the Lord through music. She was a member of the choir and the Reflections Ensemble. Nell also served as the third grade children’s choir director for 25 years. She served in various other capacities in the Children’s and Youth Ministry at GABC as well. Nell was passionate about her community and demonstrated this through her involvement with the PTA where she served as President and was a lifetime member. Nell was also President of Desk and Derrick. Nell’s deep devotion, love of laughter and zeal for life was contagious. She loved to cook, paint, play the piano and was an avid gardener. She touched countless people with her steadfast love and encouragement. This led to many beautiful friendships. Each friendship was uniquely special to her which was evident by the steady stream of people whom visited her while she was ill. Even during her most challenging times she cared deeply about each person. Nell was a two time breast cancer survivor. She was very active in fundraising events for breast cancer. One year ago she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She embraced this challenge with dignity and grace as she did everything else in life. Nell was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patsy Tiller and brother Don Chandler. Mary Nell Chandler Shaw is survived by her loving family including her husband of 50 years Bob Shaw; daughters, Joni Ortega and husband Doug, Becky Deweese Sampson and husband William; her son Scott Shaw; grandchildren, Candace Bridges and husband Payton, Blake Ortega and Ashley Deweese; step-grandchild Hannah Sampson; and her sister Peggy Sides along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful doctors and staff at Tyler Cancer Center; Baylor Dallas Hospital; Mother Frances Hospital, Dawson 3rd Floor; Home Care and Hospice of East Texas and Hospice of East Texas Home Place. Pallbearers will be Jamie Shaw, Thomas Wyszynski, Chris French, Ben McFadden, Jim Powell and Hershell Pruitt. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Stewart Family Funeral Home 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, Texas 75703. Memorials in honor of Mary Nell Chandler Shaw may be made to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

Mary Chandler Shaw

July 16, 1936 - February 24, 2009