Carole LaVerne McKinney Shaw, age 81 of Albion, IL passed from this life to the next on March 4, 2021 at the Wabash Christian Village, Carmi, IL.
Carole was born on June 16, 1939 in Porto Rico, West Virginia to Ruby Louise (Gattrell) and Aldine Ellsworth McKinney. She met Lester Ray Shaw, a young man who had come to West Viriginia from Edwards County, IL during the oil boom and married him on October 9, 1961 in West Union, West Virginia. The couple eventually made their home in Albion. Carole, having never met anyone in Illinois previously, made friends rapidly and “never met a stranger”. Lester died in 1976. She raised two daughters; teaching them about plants, wildlife and animals by taking them on long walks, making it fun, while sparking their interest.
She sewed their clothing, making it personal to their tastes. She also was a member of the Albion Prairie Quilters Guild. After Lester passed, Carole became the Librarian at the Albion Public Library and was there over 30 years. She enjoyed interacting with her customers and being part of their lives. She learned their personal taste in authors and books. Carole also enjoyed cooking and equated food with love! Watching football and wrestling, both on television and in person was a passion, as well.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant son, Grant Allen Shaw, sister Olive Jeannette (and her husband Ed) Clevenger and brother, Allen Lee McKinney.
Carole dearly loved each member of her family. She leaves so many fun, warm memories for them to cherish. Survivors include daughters Rhonda Shaw (Steve) Webb and Jennifer Lea Shaw (William Bradley) Wilson, granddaughter Rachel Lynn (James Adams) Webb, sisters: Sharon Kay (Doug Platt) Boyce, Terry Elaine McKinney and April Deniece (Gerald) Hawley, brothers: Stephen Ellis (Joan) McKinney, William Michael (Dolly) McKinney, Richard Gregory McKinney and sister-in-law, Barbara McKinney.
Graveside service were held at 2PM on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Graceland Cemetery in Albion.
Memorials are encouraged to the Albion Public Library and the Edwards County Senior Citizens.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.