Billie Jean Shaw

Billie Jean Shaw was born on January 29, 1941, in Grenada, Mississippi to the union of Charlie William Smith and Sabra Esther Brown-Smith. She was the seventh of nine children. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lawrence D. Shaw; her sons, Larry E. Shaw and Christopher D. Shaw; granddaughter BreOnna N. Shaw. Billie Jean was the last surviving sibling. Her siblings preceded her in death, Alva Berteal Lewis, Anderson C. Smith, Juanita Dixon, Yvonne S. Ross, Samuel P. Smith, Delores Smith, Jimmy V. Smith and Linda Faye Innis.

Billie Jean left Mississippi at age five when the family relocated to Hayti, MO, where she attended Central High School. In 1957, she moved with her family to Kansas City and met her future husband.

On June 27, 1959, she was united in marriage to Lawrence D. Shaw. Devotedly together, they successfully raised five children: Larry E. Shaw (deceased), Stephanie L. Shaw, Steven C. Shaw, Claudia F. Shaw, and Christopher D. Shaw (deceased).

Billie Jean joined Cannan Missionary Baptist Church in 1963 under the Pastoral leadership of Reverend Robert B. Poe, serving faithfully in the choir, Baptist Training Union (BTU) and the Culinary Committee.

Billie Jean dedicated her career to caring for others as a home health care aide, providing compassionate in-home care to her clients. She retired from Bethlehem Home Health Care, Inc. in 2017 after nineteen years of service.

Holidays and special occasion gatherings were the heart of family life for her. During holidays, she would enhance these gatherings with festive decorations and her signature “punch” made with ice cream. She loved and took pride in having a spread of beautiful, delicious food. These cherished moments weren’t just about the food – they were about the stories shared, the bonds strengthened, and the memories created as multiple generations came together under her loving care. Her heart always had room for one more and her heart delighted in seeing her family united in these precious moments of togetherness.

Music was a cornerstone of her life, with gospel melodies serving as the soundtrack to her daily routine. She found deep spiritual comfort in the familiar voices of KPRT radio, Kansas City's beacon of gospel music, which filled her home from sunrise to sunset. The soul-stirring hymns of Rev. Jimmy Swaggart held a special place in her heart, and she would often pause her activities to join in worship, singing along with the choir. Whether doing household chores, preparing meals, or simply

relaxing, the uplifting sounds of gospel music were her constant companion, reflecting her deep faith and bringing joy to her spirit.

Billie Jean understood each of her children’s unique personalities, adapting her parenting style accordingly. She respected their differences, never trying to change them but rather guiding their individual traits. Whether they needed a strict word or a quiet conversation, she knew exactly how to connect with each one. She was lovingly known to her grandchildren as “The Granny,” a title she wore with pride and joy. The name perfectly captured her special role in their lives.

Billie Jean was known for her ability to listen without judgment and offer gentle guidance. Her caring advice and compassionate ear made her a trusted friend to many who sought her counsel.

God called Billie Jean home on January 28, 2025, one day before her 84th birthday. She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy her son, Steven C. Shaw (Kansas City, MO), and two daughters Stephanie L. Shaw (Kansas City, MO), and Claudia F. Shaw (Smyrna, GA). Four grandchildren, Kmeshia L. Reid, Stanesheia L. Shaw, Nevaeh C. Shaw and Sylvia A. Shaw; six great grandchildren, Aaron W. Whittler, Amarion J. & Amani M. Houston, Le’Asia A. Reid, Ariahna L. Houston and D’Riyah L. Williams, brother-in-law Cleo Ross, special cousin Joyce King along with a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.