Mrs. Vernie Mae Veronica Douglas Shaw was a woman small in stature, yet mighty in spirit. Though lovingly described as “little,” her strength, grace, and unwavering love made her presence larger than life. She peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the remarkable age of 94. 

Born on February 1, 1932, in Forsyth County, she was the cherished daughter of James Emory Hunter and Corene B. Douglas. From an early age, she carried a quiet resilience and a servant’s heart that would define her life. A devoted and longtime member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, she faithfully served in the Sarah Missionary Group, embodying compassion, humility, and steadfast faith. Her love for the Lord was evident not only in her words, but in her actions and the way she cared for others. Her gift for cooking extended far beyond her own kitchen. She began sharing her talents at Wake Forest University, nourishing countless students and staff with meals prepared with love. She later began a second career with the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools, where she faithfully served for thirty-two years before retiring. 

Her dedication, strong work ethic, and warm spirit left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. 

She was preceded in death by her father, James Emory Hunter; her mother, Corene B. Douglas; her longtime companion, Roscoe Eller; her beloved son, Aaron Shaw; her brothers, Charles Edward Carson and Sylvester Douglas; and her sisters, Minnie Lee Simon and Nancy Carpenter. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, ten amazing children: James (Lisa) Whisonant of Mocksville, NC, Raymond Lee Shaw, Jr. of Marietta, GA, Everette (Dorine) Douglas, Clayton Douglas, Don Shaw, and Wade Shaw, Deborah Douglas, Beverly Douglas, Toria Douglas, and Gwendolyn Shaw, all of Winston-Salem, NC; along with a host of nieces and nephews, grands, great-grands, great-great-grands, extended family members, and dear friends. Her legacy of love, strength, and faith will continue to live on through each of them. Her life was mighty and filled with devotion, sacrifice, and immeasurable love. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 12:30pm on Thursday at the Church.