When asked “Who has kept you this long?” Shaw immediately responded confidently with a quick two-word answer as if she knew the question was coming.
“Jesus Christ!” Shaw responded.
Faith is one of the factors that most individuals who live over 90 say they have. Faith in a higher power is a common thread that Shaw shares with many of today’s super elders.
In her time on earth, Shaw has lived through numerous pivotal moments in U.S. history- including two pandemics: the Spanish flu and what we’re living through now, COVID-19. She’s also lived through the Great Depression, World War I, World War II, the civil rights movement, and so much more.
When Shaw was almost three years old, women were finally given the right to vote in 1920 thanks to the 19th amendment.
Throughout her life, Shaw was a seamstress in the community, especially a caretaker of children, and gave her the nickname “Ms. Nell”. It needed a village, and Shaw invested deeply in helping women raise children and gave birth to a friend’s child in 1961.
She now has 13 grandchildren and says she enjoyed the moment she was able to sit down and listen to the “old days”.
Shaw retired as a seamstress and instead picks up Gin Rummy and paints. Neighbors say she paints almost every day, a childhood graffiti.
Her work was exhibited as the community ran through to celebrate her birthday.
Shaw’s neighbor and friends say she is still the charm of the South.
Long live Winnell Shaw!
Shaw is a centenarian or a person who has lived to be 100 years old or older. Centenarians are among the fastest-growing