Mrs. Ollie Rita Shaw

A Good and Faithful Servant MRS. OLLIE RITA SHAW December 29, 1927 – November 30, 2023 Obituary Mrs. Ollie Rita White Shaw was born December 29, 1927, in Plaisance, Louisiana, to the union of Lorena Jones White and Persley White. Ollie Rita revealed that her mother named her Ollie Ritha, but her school principal said, “There was no such name as Ritha. Your name is Rita.” That’s how she became known as Ollie Rita. At an early age, Ollie Rita, the third eldest of twelve children, was baptized by the late Rev. Samuel A. Crowder at Mohorn Baptist Church in Plaisance, Louisiana. Ollie Rita’s parents instilled in her and her 11 siblings the importance of education. After graduating from Plaisance Elementary School, Ollie Rita followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Annie Mae, by obtaining a high school diploma from St. Landry Parish Training School in 1947. Annie and Ollie Rita lived with Professor and Mrs. Morrow while enrolled in St. Landry Parish Training School. With aspirations of becoming a schoolteacher, Ollie Rita attended the legendary Leland College in Baker, Louisiana, and earned her B.A. in Elementary Education in 1951. Upon graduating from Leland College, Ollie Rita was hired as an elementary school teacher in the St. Landry Parish School System. Her first teaching position was at Waxia Elementary School in Waxia, Louisiana. Ollie Rita taught students for more than 40 years at Lincoln-Morrow High School, Morrow, Louisiana, Leonville Elementary, Leonville, LA, and Northeast Elementary in Opelousas. In addition, she coached the girls’ basketball team. As an educator, Ollie Rita was an active J. K. Haynes Foundation member. While a student at Leland, Ollie Rita met Jeffrey Shaw of New Orleans. After several years of dating, Jeffery and Ollie Rita were married in July 1954 in Plaisance, LA. Three children were born to this union: Breckney Glenn Shaw, Nolan Ricco Shaw, and Jeanne Darnell Shaw. Ollie Rita was affiliated with many religious, civic, and fraternal organizations, receiving numerous awards and honors for her service to others. She was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliation of Louisiana (026 Golden Star) for over 70 years, as well as a member of Elks Lodge #1048, Curry Golden American Legion Auxiliary Post 45, R. B. Jones Assembly #298, Ghadur Court #129 (Women of the Shriners), Alfred D. Brumfield Phyllis Auxiliary, the Retired Teachers Association, and the National Association of University Women (NAUW). Additionally, she served on the United Way Board of Directors for twelve years. A dedicated church member, Ollie Rita was affiliated with Antioch Baptist Church in Melville since 1957 and a member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Opelousas since 1963. She served in the Youth and Mission Departments at the local, district, state, and national levels. She and her husband traveled throughout the United States to attend conferences and conventions. In addition, she faithfully served as a member of the Pastor Wives Association of St. Landry Parish and the Seventh District Missionary Baptist Association. As the First Lady of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church from 1963 – 2011, Ollie Rita worked as a Sunday School teacher, BTU teacher, deaconess, mission leader, director of the young people’s department, director of the youth choir for over 40 years, member of the senior choir, and leader of the Young Women Association. Her passion for working with youth continued throughout her years of working in the church. Mrs. Shaw enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Jeanne D. Shaw-Reed (Harry Reed), one adopted daughter Sharlene Jones-Bush (Jerry), two sons, Breckney G. Shaw (Toni L. Shaw) and Nolan R. Shaw (Jalyne R. Shaw), one granddaughter Hadassah K. Shaw, six grandsons Breckney Nixon-Shaw, André Shaw, Kiyochi A. Shaw, Aqua C. Shaw (Maria), Seanne Reed and Joseph H. Shaw, seven great grandchildren Malijah Nixon, Imani Nixon, Breckney Nixon, Amari Nixon, Aubrey Shaw, Autumn Shaw and Ava Shaw, one sister Mae Resa Charles (Rufus), and four brothers, Persley White, Jr. (Ruby); Andrew White (Bernadel); Calvin White (Belva); and Marion White (Cynthia), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, and church family members. Ollie Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Lorena and Persley White; siblings Annie Mae Thomas (Melvin); Freddie White (Estelle); Rosenia (Harry); Joseph White (Bernice); and Joshua White (Lydia). A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Opelousas, LA. Visiting hours will be observed from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. Interment will be in Bellevue Memorial Park. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037. The family of Mrs. Ollie Rita Shaw requests services be webcast click the following link https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7570562636?pwd=YStoLzlMRVJJTDgwa0VMSGpvYjdwZz09&omn=75942924088 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting

Tributes

Mrs. Ollie Rita Shaw

December 29, 1927 - November 30, 2023