Arlester Shaw

Arlester Shaw was born April 17, 1944, in Darling, Mississippi to the late Cornelius Shaw Sr. and Mary (Deloach) Shaw. Affectionately known as “Shaw” or “Big Poppa,” Arlester was the 11th child of thirteen siblings. After leaving Mississippi he migrated to Memphis, Tennessee, then to Gary, Indiana and finally settled in East Chicago, Indiana. 

After working various jobs Shaw became employed by Inland Steel in 1971, was certified in utilizing heavy machinery, and worked as an operator for 32 years until his retirement in 2003. 

Shaw reared four children from a previous marriage and was later joined in holy matrimony to Sandra (Love) Shaw in 1995. From this union four children were cherished. Although a large man Shaw was known as a “Gentle Giant” because of his soft demeanor, even temperament, and wise counsel he offered to younger men. He will be remembered for his love of shooting darts at “Quicks” and “Chop’s.” Shaw loved soul food and often fried chicken wings at “The Derby” in East Chicago. He was also known by his family for the scrumptious greens he prepared for the holidays and special occasions. 

Arlester believed in Jesus Christ and joined “New Life Second Chance Church” under the leadership of Bishop Eric Taylor in Gary, Indiana. He was a faithful member and loved his church family. 

Arlester departed this life on Friday, May 27, 2022, at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons; Marvin and Eric Smith, three sisters; Claudine Zielinski, Cleo Dixon, and Lou Ella Shaw, four brothers; Jimmy Shaw, Cornelius Shaw Jr, Joe Lee Robinson, and Willie Jean McCoy.

Leaving to continue the legacy, memory and celebration of his life is his faithful and devoted wife of 27 years Sandra Shaw who cared for him night and day while he was ill. Four sons; Derrick Smith of South Bend, Indiana, Aaron Love of Rockford, Illinois, Cameron (Kasha) Love of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kendell Arlester Shaw of East Chicago, Indiana. Three daughters; Gloria, of Mississippi, Leslie Faye Gordon of Midlothian, Illinois, and Kendra Love of East Chicago, Indiana. Three sisters; Mary Erving of Chicago, Illinois, Maxine Amos of Falcon Mississippi, Corrine (Robert) Thigpen of Calumet City Illinois. Two brothers; Theodore (Mae Onie) Shaw of Lee Summit, Missouri, and Nathaniel (Niecy) Smith of Texas. Six sisters-in-law; Dr. Wanella Cofield, Nancy Love, Connie Taylor, and Clarie Landrum all of Merrillville, Indiana, Kimberly Love of East Chicago, Indiana, and Terrilyn Jackson of Muncie, Indiana. Twelve grandchildren; Egypt Love, Asia Williams, Carter Love, Cameron Love, True Love, Rhilee Woods, Kyle Love, Malia Love, Kacey Douglas, Khole Douglas, Kalib Love, Spenser Allen Smith, Erykah Smith, Gabriel Gordon, Derrick Smith Jr, Dionte Smith, Devin Smith, and Cassandra Smith, Ten great-grandchildren; Derrick Smith III, Dontae Smith, Sencere Smith, Serenity Smith, Dionte Smith Jr, Da’miyah Smith, Da’moni Smith, Da’mirah Smith, Diana Smith, and Naomi Smith. “JB” special friend, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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