(Sunrise: March 6, 1929 – Sunset: May 14, 2025)
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Viola Taylor Shaw, our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great- grandmother, and aunt, was born on March 6, 1929, in Johnsonville, Monrovia, Liberia, to Eddie L. Shaw and Hannah Taylor Shaw. She attended Johnsonville Public School as a child. When her mother became ill, she and her siblings moved to Upper Careysburg with their uncle, Eddie Taylor, and she attended Kingsville Public School, finishing the 6th grade.
Viola later enrolled at Haywood Mission High School. In 1950, while in the 8th grade, she met James Alex Sims. They had three children: J. Alex Sims Jr., Wellington, Comfort, and Benetta. Viola began teaching at 15-Gate Public Elementary School and later received a Grade ‘C’ certificate from Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute, officially becoming an educator.
Viola Taylor Shaw had ten children, six sons and four daughters, but six of them passed away before her. She is survived by four children, many foster children, 46 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
We will always miss your smile, kindness, and love. Your legacy lives on in us.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, starting at 8:30 AM. The service and reception will be at Christ Jubilee International Ministries, located at 101 Smith Street, Lowell, MA 01851. Afterward, there will be a short 15-minute drive to the cemetery.
Family Contacted:
Alexandander Morris: 917-297-2460
Hanna Valentine: 341-225-3827
Contributions can be made through:
Cashapp: $hvalentine201
Zelle: 347-225-6827
Hotel accommodations are available at Sonesta Select, situated at 30 Industrial Ave. E, Lowell MA. 01852. The phone number for reservations is 978-458-7575.
