Fannie Shaw

Mother Fannie Shaw was born September 14, 1930 to Deacon Robert and Mary (nee Hardy) Cottrell in Century, Florida. Fannie was the eleventh of eleven children.

At an early age, she confessed her faith in Christ and joined St. Luke Baptist Church in Florida under the pastorate of Rev. Meyers.

She later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where she joined New Friendship Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. H.B. Binford. Mother also served at Rockdale Baptist Church under the pastorates of Rev. Peoples and Pastor Stanford L. Vinson. She also served at Church of Deliverance under Bishop Lewis T. Hilton.

In the early 1970s, Mother formed the Junior Prayer Band Union where Elder Rodney Posey was the group’s musician.

In 1986, she joined James Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of the late Bishop William Morgan James where she served on the Missionary Board. While serving on the Missionary Board, Mother Shaw was mentored by Mother Carrie L. Simmons as a Deaconess Sister serving the Holy Communion. Upon Mother Simmons’ passing, Mother Shaw was appointed Church Mother in 2007 by Pastor Joel C. James.

Mother Shaw was a graduate of old Woodward High School. She continued her education in the field of nursing, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.

In November 1954, she was joined in Holy Matrimony to C.H. Shaw, who preceded her in death in 1978. This union was blessed with six children, including one adopted child. Mother is also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, six brothers, and two sons.

Mother Shaw was “everyone’s Mother.” She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, den mother, and foster mother. As dedicated foster patents for more than 20 years, she and C.H. received many special awards and recognition from Cincinnati Children’s Home. Opening their home to many people, you were always met with warmth, love, and hospitality.

As a parent, Mother was very involved in her children’s school and extra-curricular activities and knew many of their teachers and professors. Being a grandparent was a true joy for her and, health permitting, she made sure to attend any performances, competitions, ceremonies, and recognition of her grandchildren.

Mother was an excellent cook and enjoyed serving. Many evangelists and preachers have eaten at Mother’s dining room table and have enjoyed her specialties of peach cobbler, pound cake, and souse meat. Just to name a few. Every meal was a loving event.

Mother enjoyed traveling and attended many of the National Association of Postal Supervisors conferences with her daughter Lady. Most of all, she enjoyed and looked forward to attending the national and international Women’s COGIC conventions, convocations and jurisdictional meetings.

Mother Shaw was a member of various organizations to include Eastern Star, Federated Women’s Club, and Red Hat Society. She engaged with everyone, knew many people, and knew no strangers.

Taking on private cases, Mother continued nursing until early 2010. Nursing and caring for others was her passion. She had a home remedy, or an answer, for everything.

This precious, beautiful Mother received her wings while departing this life on Thursday December 24, 2015. She served her time on Earth full of love, grace, and style with the Lord ordering her steps. She leaves to continue celebrating her life children Elton (Sandra) Shaw, Viney Smith, Glenda (Walter Jr.) Piper, Dylan (Joe) Mason; Grandchildren Ralphel Shaw, Breann Shaw, Mariah Shaw, David Smith, Corry Thomas, Tamara Thomas, Shannon (Gloria) Thomas, Elizabeth Mason, Jasmine Mason; Great-grandchildren Breaunna, Brian, Kennedy, David Jr., Madison, Kayah, Donovan, Mason, Elijah, and Amiel; Brother Robert Cottrell, Sister-in-law Juanita Cottrell, Brother-in-law Deacon Eugene (Alberta) Shaw, and Sister-in-law Joyce Harbert; Special daughters Denise Wilks, Shellie Anderson, Katie Johnson, Opal Perkins, and Ida Mae Hardy; Special sons Dr. Ron Stepens and Maurice Meador; Special granddaughter Ashley Anderson. Additionally, sixty-plus godchildren and a whole host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.