Sarah Cawthon Shaw

Sarah Cawthon Shaw, age 88, beloved wife, mother, “Grand Sarah”, sister and dear friend passed away on October 17, 2024 at Hospice House in Tallahassee, FL. Sarah was born in Gainesville, Florida, to Rainey and Sarah Cawthon on January 26, 1936, and the family moved to Tallahassee shortly after her birth. Some of her favorite childhood memories included attending University of Florida football games with her father, Rainey Cawthon, a celebrated Gator football star, and spending summers at St. Teresa beach. Sarah attended St. Mary’s Episcopal School for Girl’s in Raleigh, North Carolina, for her last two years of high school yet she always considered herself a 1953 Leon High honorary graduate. She attended the University of Florida where she was an active member of Chi Omega sorority. She spent her third year of college studying abroad with her sister, Anne, at University of Geneva in Switzerland. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and remained fascinated with science and animals throughout her life. Upon graduation from the University of Florida, Sarah was selected to represent the State of Florida as an interpreter-guide at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels for 9 months. Soon after returning to Tallahassee from her travels abroad, Sarah caught the eye of Frank Shaw Jr. when driving by his Ford Dealership and he asked her out for a date. She sealed the deal by saving a Shaw family cow and taking the afterbirth out with her bare hands, to the amazement of both Frank and his father. They were soon married on a cold November day in 1959 at St. John’s Episcopal Church and remained happily married for 55 wonderful years. Sarah and Frank made many cherished memories traveling all over the world and visiting every continent with their dear friends, Betty Ann and Benson Skelton. Sarah also remained lifelong friends with her bridge group of over 60 years, “Ladies of the Square Table”. Her active lifestyle also included playing tennis for most of her adult life with her double’s partner and Chi Omega sister, Judy Teal Parker. Sarah’s stories and adventures were endless. Her passion for the Tallahassee community was evident in her involvement with the TMH Ethics Committee, Tallahassee State College Board, Goodwood Gardens Board, Chi Omega Alumni Committee, and Governor’s Mansion Committee. She was a dedicated member of the Junior League of Tallahassee and found joy and laughter while entertaining others with the “Loonie’s” skit group. Sarah’s creativity and thoughtful spirit always shined, whether it was through gardening, gift-giving, decorating, or hosting parties. She poured her love and talents into her Meridian Plantation home by bringing it to life and creating one of Tallahassee’s most exquisite settings. She enjoyed sharing her beautiful home with others through the many parties and events she hosted. Sarah loved taking the time to mark the moment and celebrating the little things in life. When a doctor once commented that she should only have wine on special occasions, her reply was, “Every day is a special occasion!” Sarah’s best qualities were her “joie de vivre” and her rare sense of humor. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved hearing of their adventures and celebrating their successes, marriages, and the births of her great- grandchildren. She always gave the right amount of love and understanding, along with a gentle dose of reality when needed. She was someone who was truly full of life and her bright smile and charismatic personality will be greatly missed by all her knew her. Sarah leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, a testament to a life well-lived, and a heart well-loved. Sarah was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank S. Shaw Jr.; her parents, Sarah Lovell Payne Cawthon and Rainey Blackwell Cawthon; and her sister, Anne Cawthon Booth. She is survived by her two children: Frank S. Shaw, III (Fran) and Sally Shaw Hyde; her five grandchildren: Sarah Bishop Manning (Ryan); Frank S. Shaw, IV (Marlee); Sampson Shaw Hyde; Carol Frances Shaw Hoffmann (Travis); and Jackson Billy Hyde; her great -grandchildren: Frank S. Shaw, V (Fox); Michael Shaw Manning; and Heywood Barron Shaw. Sarah’s funeral will take place at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral at 1PM on October 24. There will be a reception on the lawn immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Big Bend Hospice Foundation (1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308) or St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral (4784 Thomasville Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32309). Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Shaw family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Sarah Cawthon Shaw

January 26, 1936 - October 17, 2024