Obituary of Lexford Shaw

Lexford Shaw, affectionately known as “Pappa Son” was called home to be with the Lord on July 6, 2022. He was the first son of the late Lawford and Avis Shaw. On March 23, 1944, he was born in Madras, St. Ann. Jamaica where he spent his childhood until age 16 when he relocated to England. After attending school, he began his career as a Foundry worker in  a car manufacturing plant where he remained for almost 40 years.

 He met his wife in 1998 while visiting family in the United States. Five years later they began their long-distance courtship. They wed December 9, 2008, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. They remained long distance while traveling back and forth until he permanently migrated to the United States in 2015.

 He began his relationship with Christ at a young age and would attend the Church of England with his parents. He continued developing his relationship with the Lord throughout his adulthood. He started attending Judah Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in 2015 with his family. He attended faithfully and served as an Usher and was an active member in the Men’s Ministry. You could always find him serving others in the church whether it was at Judah Café or with the parking lot ministry. He did not count it robbery to complete odd jobs for the church working closely with his dear friend Billy Austin.

 Lex was a fun-loving jokester who enjoyed pranking friends and family. Pappa Son loved music and was a collector of vinyl records. He was very proud of his special edition Elvis Pressley album. Because of his love of music, he was tasked to DJ many parties and went by the stage name “Sexy Lexy”. He was an avid gardener and spent many hours outside in his vegetable garden. Some of his favorite things to grow were pumpkin, callaloo, tomatoes, okra, and peppers. He enjoyed the company of his close friends and while in England could be found at the local pub hanging out with them. He loved to watch Westerns, British Comedies, all the Chicago shows (Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD), and TV trivia gameshows.

 He was preceded in death by his parents Lawford and Avis Shaw and siblings: Lena Richards, Narissa Gordon, Donald Shaw, Lenworth Shaw, and Sinclair Shaw. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Yvonne Shaw; his three children, Lee Shaw (Sarah), Robert Shaw (Jo), and Melanie Mitto (Glenn); two stepchildren Leo Brown and Lisa Brown; his siblings, Clarice Campbell ,Vincent Shaw (Doreen), Festus Shaw (Vacent), Elude Shaw (Pam), Shawn Shaw (Precious), Janet Palmer (Sidney), Joseph McNeil, and Jenieve Young (Michael);  eight grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces,   nephews, and friends.