Yanelia is lovingly remembered by her husband of 59 years, Gary Shaw. They met at Shipley’s Do-nut in Ruston, summer of 1967 and married a few months later. It was a true love story and as she always said, he made her laugh every day.
She is survived by her daughters, Tammy Pearson and Shelaine Murphy (Jesse); grandchildren, Vance Shaw, Hannah Turrentine (Ben), Leah Gordon (Andrew), and Luke Murphy; great-grands, Tommy & June Turrentine; her sisters, Delores Smith (David), Shirley Davis (Joel); and brother, Richard Cotten (Beth), as well as many nieces and nephews – she loved you all.
Momma loved Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla but her favorite flavor was Pecan Pralines & Cream. She liked chocolate pie but preferred pecan and her pecan pie was the best. Momma wanted her water ice cold and her coffee hot hot. And if it wasn’t, she’d refuse to drink it. Momma always wanted a good cold coke which meant heavy on the good ice.
Yanelia loved George Taber azaleas like the ones that line the front of their home. Momma had lots of collections like Precious Moments, Coca-Cola, anything Ruston or Peach Festival, cookbooks, and her cherished Follette pottery. Momma also loved animals and we’ve adopted many from 4 Paws Rescue Inc of Ruston. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to their mission.
She loved her many doctors, nurses, various therapists, and everyone that cared for her over the years. And there was definitely a special place in her heart for children. One of her many gifts was caring for and teaching little ones. It all started at Nell Chance Daycare and soon she opened Ms. Yanelia’s Daycare. Years later, she taught at Emmanuel Baptist followed by Temple Baptist before retiring. If you ever called her Ms. Yanelia as a child – SHE LOVED YOU dearly!
It may seem redundant but it’s simple – Momma loved… and we loved her. Some called her Yunkie, many cherished her as Ms. Yanelia, and one lucky guy called her Doll. She loved Coca-Cola and she loved Gary Shaw. She loved her friends and family, she loved the children. She also loved the Lord and was ready to go home. Years ago, her doctor said that her body had failed her. Her body betrayed her over and over again but her Lord and Savior never has – she is healed at last!
Thank you to Jackson Parish Ambulance, Jackson Parish Hospital, Dr. Ed, amazing nurses and staff for your loving care these past months and dedicated service to our community. Thank you to Christus Highland doctors, nurses, and staff over these last two weeks. Thank you to Christus Highland Hospice for your kindness through these last days.
Please join us at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church after the service as we honor her wishes and fellowship over Johnny’s pizza and a good cold Coke. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com
