Carol Oliver Shaw

Carol Oliver Shaw, 81, of Newbern, Tennessee, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at her residence in Newbern, Tennessee.

She was born on August 22, 1943, in Dyer County, Tennessee, to the late Wallace Oliver and the late Evelyn Pitt Oliver.

A 1961 graduate of Newbern High School, Carol was known for her kind heart and the many lifelong friendships she formed during her school years. After graduation she married James Shaw, beginning a life filled with love, family, and travel. James proudly served in the United States Army for 23 years, and Carol stood faithfully by his side as a dedicated military wife. Together with their two daughters, they embraced assignments across the globe—living in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and throughout the United States. Wherever they were stationed, Carol made it a home.

Carol’s lifelong love of horses was one of her greatest passions. She shared this love with her parents and later with her own family. She and her family were long-time supporters and participants in the Newbern Saddle Club, where she served faithfully as secretary/treasurer for 35 years. Her enthusiasm for horseback riding followed her wherever she went. Whether in Europe or the U.S., she always found time to ride—and one of her greatest joys was taking her grandchildren on trail rides, sharing her love of horses and the outdoors

Carol also had a creative side—she loved to sew and was known for her deep affection for polyester fabric. Her talent with a needle and thread was matched only by her skill in the kitchen. Her family lovingly declared her the best cook ever, and no holiday or gathering was complete without her famous dressing and signature Jello salad—both made with love and now fondly remembered.

A woman of faith, Carol was a member of the Parr Avenue Church of Christ, where she worshipped faithfully and found spiritual strength throughout her life.

Funeral services for Mrs. Shaw will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Mr. Scott Owen. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

She is survived by her husband, of  sixty-four years, James Shaw of Newbern, Tennessee; two daughters, Patsy Brown (David) of  Newbern, Tennessee, Pam Blevins (Dirk)of Arlington, Tennessee; two brothers, David Oliver Of Newbern, Tennessee and Mike Oliver of Lexington, Tennessee , she was "Momma Carol" to her five grandchildren; Anna Kathryn Brown, Austin Shaw Brown (Sarah), Rachel Blevins, Abby Blevins Angevine (Jacob) and Ben Blevins and her two step-great-grandchildren, Mia and Caiden.

Honoring Mrs. Shaw as pallbearers will be Austin Brown, Terry Oliver, Blake Oliver, Brandon Anderson, Ben Blevins and Russell Fultz. Honorary pallbearer will be Derrick Butler.

The family ask that memorial contributions be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Association, 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, New York 10281.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Carol Oliver Shaw.

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