Mary Helen Shaw, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026. She was born on October 12, 1929, to the late John and Lula Tanner of the Lyeffion Community in Evergreen, Alabama, where she spent much of her life. After her marriage, she lived in Orange, Texas, where all of her children were born. Following the death of her husband, she returned to Lyeffion in 1965 to be near family and remained there for the rest of her life. In her final years, she resided at the Robertsdale Healthcare Center, where she had been for the past two and a half years.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Earl Shaw; her oldest son, Scotty Earl Shaw; and her siblings, Hazel Brown (Wilburn), Louise Hunter (George), James Tanner (Shirley), and Winston Tanner (Mary).

She is survived by her sons, Johnny Shaw (Johnny Sue) and Joseph Shaw (Melinda); her grandchildren, Christopher Shaw(Jenny), John Shaw, Jason Shaw (Audra), and Tanner Shaw(Cassie); and her great-grandchildren, Lauren Shaw, Lindsey Shaw, Ellie Shaw, and Emmett Shaw. She is also survived by her siblings, Betty Slaughter (Cotton), Joyce Hyde (Phillip), Levon Tanner (Margie), Charles Tanner (Mary), Sandra Aarestad (Julian), and Peggy Hardy (Larry), along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Helen’s life was marked by love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. Widowed at just 34 after the tragic loss of her husband in an automobile accident, she dedicated her life to raising her three sons. She never remarried, choosing instead to pour her energy into her family, her faith, and the simple joys of life. She had a spirited nature—driving her car fast, but living her life at a gentle and unhurried pace.  She loved to cook and rarely missed an opportunity to prepare generous meals for those she loved.   She enjoyed traveling and treasured the many trips she took with her siblings and children.

A faithful and devoted member of the Evergreen congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Helen found strength and purpose in her beliefs. She was known for her kind heart, her compassion for others—especially those in need—and her deep appreciation for life’s small blessings. Her home was filled with laughter, and her presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her.

Mary Helen Shaw lived a simple yet deeply meaningful life. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose legacy of kindness and devotion will endure in the lives of those she touched. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family and friends, and she will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am., Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Cope-Keahey Funeral Home in Evergreen.