Alvin Alonzo Shaw Sr.

Alvin Alonzo Shaw Sr. was born on June 5, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois to the Myrtle Shaw and Larry Wise Sr. Alvin grew up in Chicago where he also attended school. Alvin was affectionately called "Cookie" and "Uncle Cookie" by his relatives and his friends. After studying the Bible and dedicating his life to Jehovah, Alvin was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on May 10, 1992. Not long thereafter, he began to teach people the Bible full time as a regular pioneer. This he did for twelve years. Alvin also served as an elder in the Windsor Park congregation. Although Alvin had his Commercial Drivers License and loved to drive trucks, his battle with different illnesses prevented him from fully utilizing his CDL license. Isaiah 33:24 says, “And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error.” God’s promise in the Bible at John 5:28, 29 was not just mere words to Alvin. It was his faith and hope in this promise of a resurrection that enabled him to endure numerous difficulties without complaining. Even though he was in pain constantly, Alvin always had a smile on his face! He was convinced that if he fell asleep in death faithful to Jehovah, he wins. Or if he faithfully survived the end of this system of things, he wins. He would often say he was in a win-win-situation. Alvin once told a close friend that we are like on a train headed for God’s new world. Some of us are sitting up front. Some are stretched out in the rear sleeper car awaiting Jesus’ call to come out. Our dear brother Alvin is now in the sleeper car. On March 27, 2014, Alvin fell asleep in death. He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Shaw and Larry Wise Sr.; his grandmother, Magnolia Jennings; and his two brothers, Robert Lee and Edgar Earl. Alvin leaves to cherish his memories, his tirelessly supportive and loving wife, Ruth; seven children, Alvin Shaw Jr., Tony Shaw, Alisa Shaw, Yolanda Cork Anthony (Victor), Sherese Cork, Joe Bradford Jr. and Angela Bradford; eight grandchildren, Justin, Dorian, Ja’nette, Christian, Victor, De’syre, Jarret and Jaydn; five sisters, Delores Stanley (Mark), Debora Logan, Karen Shaw, Geraldine Bryant and Larisha Wise; three brothers, Lawrence Wise (Cheryl), Maurice Wise and Vincent Wise (Renee); three sisters-in-law, Rose Robinson, Mary Smith and Willie Mae Cork; three brothers-in-law, Charles Womack (Tina), Lonzo Cork and Sebastian Cork; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual brothers and sisters.

Tributes

Alvin Alonzo Shaw Sr.

June 5, 1953 - March 27, 2014