Claire Hill Shaw, 91, died Monday, March 31, 2014 at Dan E. & Mary Louise Stewart Health Center of Springmoor in Raleigh. Mrs. Shaw was born May 21, 1922, in Youngsville, to Sandy and Hettie M. Wiggins Hill. She attended Louisburg College and Meredith College. Mrs. Shaw was a home economics teacher at Oak Grove, Southern High School and Neal Jr. High School, retiring in 1979. She was a very active member of Olive Branch Baptist Church in Durham, where she was a member of Women of Joy Circle. The members met each month at Springmoor so that Mrs. Shaw could still participate. The monthly meeting was a highlight in her life. Some members made sure that she knew what was taking place at church by sending cards, mailing bulletins, visiting and calls. Claire was an excellent cook and seamstress. Each year at Christmas she baked her “famous” delicious homemade yeast rolls and had the rolls delivered hot, right out of the oven. She loved landscaping and gardening. She and her husband planted a large garden each year. She canned and froze lots of fruits and vegetables. Her favorite fruit was Scuppernong Grapes that she picked from her own vines. Claire moved to Springmoor Retirement Community in Raleigh in 1995 following the death of her husband Ben L. Shaw in 1990. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and three brothers, Vernon W. Hill, Robert C. Hill and James M. Hill.
Surviving are: two sons, Thomas H. Shaw and wife, Lynne of Goldsboro, George B. Shaw and wife, Cara of Raleigh; daughter, Nelda S. Simpson and husband, Roy Edwin “Ed” of Lenoir; grandchildren, Megan Suddarth and husband, Thomas, Mark P. Shaw all of Goldsboro; Aaron B. and Samuel F. Shaw both of Raleigh; great-grandchild, Caroline S. Suddarth.
The family would like to thank the Olive Branch Women of Joy Circle, Nancy Lassiter, Ella Razer, Jessie Goss, just to name a few along with Janet Morton, who checked on her every day and everyone at Springmoor for providing a safe, friendly place to live. Thanks also to the medical staff at Stewart Health Center for the excellent care of their mother during the last year.
The family will be present 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 West Main St., Durham. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 2107 Liberty St., Durham. Reverend Tim Wheeler will preside. Donations may be made in Claire’s memory to Olive Branch Baptist Church Mission Program, 123 Olive Branch Road; Durham, NC 27703. Online condolences at www.hallwynne.com. See obituaries.
Ronda Rice
Mrs. Shaw was my home economics teacher at Southern High School. She was a very special person who taught me to sew and cook and many other things. Brenda Gardner Andrews and I were fortunate to visit with her a few times at Springmoor but hadn’t seen her recently. I’m truly saddened about her death.
Linda Rose
Dear Nelda and Family. Let me extend my sympathies to you and your family in the passing of your Mother. I loved Mrs. Shaw. I learned so much from her, and every time I hem something, I can hear her telling me not to make the stitches too big. I called her when she was still at home, and she gladly helped me with cooking and canning tips. She was a wonderful Christian woman and you all were so blessed to have her. Sending love and prayers, Linda Slaughter Rose
Beverly and Linda Redford
Many many memories of a wonderful and sweet lady. Beverly and I often comment about events with the family at Church , home and school. In fact just this past week we related a story to our neighbor. Ben and Claire were role models to be admired and we are thankful for the love we shared.
Jim Mitchell
You all are in our prayers. I have many joyful memories of your parents. Their grace and hospitality is a highlight of my childhood memories. See you Thursday.
Ann Chandler Darcy
Claire was the reason I too became a home ec teacher….she was so very special to me. My heart is heavy now. I will never forget her. I will not be there for the service for I am out of the state…..my love and deepest prayers for her family….
Ruth L. Collins
So many wonderful memories of Mrs. Shaw at Southern High School and Home Ec Class…I learned so much from her class that I use on a daily basis. Deepest Sympathies to all the family! Ruth and David Collins
Phyllis Shaw
You all are in my special thoughts at this solemn time. I remember growing up hearing my daddy Jones Shaw and my aunts and uncles speaking warmly about Ben Love and Claire. Her passing takes her visible presence from us but leaves many priceless memories.
Mary Glasgow Roth
My sister Louise Glasgow and I both had Mrs. Shaw for Home Ec at Southern High School. This sweet lady loved what she taught and she loved all of us! She could make you feel so good about yourself. What a wonderful woman. May God bless her and family at this time.
Glenda Davis Holleman
Mrs. Shaw was a wonderful lady and teacher. She made learning how to cook and sew fun. Such great memories.She is with me everyday in the kitchen. Prayer to the family. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
Glennie Blalock
Ben and family – We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry and Glennie Blalock
Richard Ellis
Ben and Claire and then just Claire were clients of mine. That worked out well for both of us. However, I value the long friendship with Claire the most! She encourage the wife and I to get in our RV and GO! Once we retired we did just that as we have RVed in 49 states. As we continue to travel I will always think of Claire. She was a unique person loved by many and will be missed. I know she is in heaven and having a conversation with our Lord!
Patti Owen Harper
Claire was one of the sweetest ladies I ever knew. She was my Sunday School teacher at Olive Branch,and because I was allergic to nuts, she made nut-free Christmas goodies for me when she and Ben hosted our youth group’s party after Ben had either taken us on a hay ride, or carted us around Oak Grove as we sang carols to shut-ins. The Shaws were great friends to my mom and dad, too, and I have fond memories of Ben and my dad serving the people of Durham County together. The first year Rick and I were married, we were blessed to live next door to Ben and Claire, and they were wonderful neighbors, good and godly people who loved the Lord and loved others. They truly kept the two greatest commandments, and I am so grateful to have known them. With love to the family and prayers for comfort, Patti Owen Harper
Judy Thorpe
I would like to send my condolences, during this time of grief. May God continue to watch over you & your family in this time of need. What a coarse of comfort, we have, thou God’s holy word the Bible. John 11:25 tells us of the resurrection. What a great hope we have.
Phyllis Hobby Loya
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Shaw. She was a wonderful teacher and influence on many young people. Condolences to all the family. She had the respect and admiration of so many.
Pamela Ellis
Tommy,Ben,and Nelda,
I was so sorry to learn of Claire Hills passing.She was one of the best cooks I knew and I enjoyed going down to her kitchen,,,,She’s at peace now,with Ben ..
Just wanted you to know I was thinking oif you-Thank-you Ben for telling me..