Melba Jean Shaw of the Union Hill Community departed this life on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 73. She was born July 29, 1951, in Newport, the daughter of James Harvey and Ona Marie (Brown) Shaw.
Ms. Shaw was a 1969 graduate of Oil Trough High School. She retired from the Department of Human Services in 2013, after over 35 years of service. Ms. Shaw had many hobbies including sewing, reading, and fishing. She loved going antique shopping, especially looking for Victorian furniture. She enjoyed watching soap operas and westerns. She will be remembered for her sense of style, as she was always dressed elegantly. Ms. Shaw loved cooking for her family. She was a member of the Maple Springs Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her son’s father, Tony Free; her dog, Petey; and her parents.
Ms. Shaw is survived by one son, Scotty Free and wife, Dana, of Southside; one brother, Don Edward Shaw and wife, Sharon, of Thida; one sister, Glenda Kay Edwards and husband, Buddy, of Oil Trough; two grandchildren, Scarlett Free and Darren Free; several nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home, Monday 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, with Brother James Edwards officiating. Interment will be in Brown’s Chapel Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Danny Edwards, Brien Edwards, Kenny Shaw, Jason Shaw, Trace Shaw, and Hunter Daniels. Honorary pallbearers will be Ms. Shaw nieces and nephews and Steve Daniels.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
