Kathryn Shaw

Kathryn Jane Byrd Shaw, of Elizabethtown, aged 77, passed away in her home surrounded by her family and loved ones on January 29. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, local businessman Hal W. Shaw. She was the only surviving child of Johnny and Ruby Byrd of Elizabethtown.

She is survived by four children, Michael "Mike" Hal Shaw and wife Amy; Johnny Wright Shaw and wife, Penny, all of Elizabethtown; Ruby Kathryn "Kathi" Shaw of Wilmington; and Sherry Shaw and husband Ash Smith of Gastonia.

Kathryn was the adoring grandmother of six grandchildren: Heather Shaw Howell; Johnny "Pete" Shaw; Michael "Bull" Shaw; Richard "Sling" Shaw; Daniel Nutley and Josiah Nutley.

She is survived by four great-grandchildren, Dylan Howell, Ashton Howell, Harlie Kathryn Shaw, and Brody Shaw.

A brunette beauty who modeled for local department stores, upon graduating Elizabethtown High School in 1954, Kathryn married Hal W. Shaw. As a young wife and mother, Kathryn was a longtime member of Elizabethtown Baptist Church. In addition to being her husband's business partner, in later life, she was well known in the community for her work with senior citizens, transporting them to doctors' appointments, and to the Senior Center for a hot meal. She was known for traversing the most remote parts of Bladen County's back roads to reach an elderly person in need.

Kathryn was loved by all who knew her. She had a quick wit, and was known for her vibrant smile and warm heart, always taking the time to listen to someone in need or lend a hand-even to a stranger. She loved a good story and to make others laugh.

Most of all, she was known for her devotion to her family and her love of cooking. If you came to visit, she made you something to eat.

She fought bravely and even in her final days, demonstrated compassion to those around her. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home on Friday from 6-8 pm, and the funeral will be held at the Elizabethtown Baptist Church on Saturday at 3:00pm. She will be laid to rest alongside her late husband in Elizabethtown city cemetery.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation to Ms. Janice Cromartie, Kathryn's longtime caregiver and dear friend; Liberty Home Care and Hospice Services (Whiteville Branch); and our sister, Kathi, who cared for our mother in her final days. Flowers are graciously accepted or you may make a contribution in her memory to Liberty Home Care and Hospice, Whiteville Branch.