Norris Owens Shaw

Norris Owens Shaw was born to Mr. William and Theresa Shaw on June 16, 1930 in Portland, Jamaica. He was the second eldest of fifteen siblings collectively.  Norris was educated in the Jamaican School System, Portland Primary and Secondary Programs.  Shortly after completing his secondary studies, Norris enlisted to work for the United States Foreign Workers Program.  In 1956, Norris first tour of duty was a plant manager for Baker's Canning Company in Hartford, Connecticut. In1958, Norris worked for Green Giant Canning Company as plant supervisor in Beaverdam, Wisconsin. During his time at Green Giant Canning Company, he became aware of the job opportunities the United States Sugar Corporation offered in South Florida. He applied to work for the U.S.S.C. for two reasons; more finances to support his family in Jamaica and to enjoy the South Florida warm weather. Norris was fortunate, in 1959 he became a United State Sugar Corporation employee. Norris was assigned to South Shore Village where he worked and met the love of his life, Mary Louise Towns. In their union they loved and nurtured their children; Godfrey, Sherann, Veronica, Carlous and Claudette until 1985. Mary Louise passed away on August 11, 1985 leaving Norris alone to support their children in their endeavors.

Norris was dedicated to his work and took his job seriously as foreman for the sugar cane cutters' payroll. He was instrumental in ensuring the Jamaican cane cutters received accurate pay for their labor and knew their rights as workers. Norris was affectionately known as "Captain Shaw" due to his significant role with the U.S.S.C. He worked with Jamaica's Minister of Labor Office to keep sustainability for Jamaican laborers because they were the main supplier for cutting the United States Sugar Corporation's sugarcane. The Farmworkers Program impacted millions of lives in South Florida, especially in the Glades area. Norris worked for the United States Sugar Corporation for forty-four years from October 15, 1959 to June 30, 1995.

Norris had a uniqueness about him, his jovial personality, high spirit and inimitable voice established renown friendships with of his co-workers, neighbors and the community at large. He had a love for sports, football and cricket was his favorites. Norris worked diligently beside his peers in the Glades community to make sure the West Indies culture was recognized. Through their efforts a chartered Cricket Program was established in South Florida. Not only was Norris sincere about his heritage, he was a passionate father. He knew that physical presence was the most important part of the equation of being a father. He dedicated his life to his family, he comforted, protected and provided for them. Most importantly, he gave them life-changing and foundational guidance they will cherish forever. He supported them emotionally, mentally and spiritually until the end of his natural life.  Norris was born in the Baptist faith, In the early 80's, Norris became a member of the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Belle Glade, under the leadership of the Late R.F. Hairston, III. During a community out-reach service on the Loading Ramp in Belle Glade, Florida; Norris was introduced to the Apostolic Doctrine.  In 1999, Norris Owens Shaw was re-baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost. He renewed his church worship life to the Apostolic Church of Belle Glade under the leadership of Senior Pastor J.P. Feld until his health failed him.

Norris was surrounded by love ones when he passed away on July 30, 2024. Norris was preceded in death by his parents, William and Theresa Shaw, his aunt Floretta Barnes, his brother, Alvin Shaw, his sister Veronica P. Shaw, his wife Mary Louise Shaw and his granddaughter Petra Elaine Shaw.

Memories of Norris Owens Shaw and his legacy will be cherished by his children: Godfrey G. Shaw (Joy), of Toronto Canada, Sherann Peters, of Orlando, Florida, Veronica D. Shaw, of Pahokee, Florida, Carlous J. Shaw, Sr. (Sonia) of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Claudette Shaw-Williams (Leroy) of Wellington, Florida. His siblings: Cyril Shaw, Portland, Jamaica, Patricia Shaw, Kingston, Jamaica, Colin Shaw, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Velema Shaw, Portland, Jamaica, Dennis Shaw, Portland, Jamaica, Evelyn Shaw, Portland, Jamaica, Carleen Shaw, Portland, Jamaica, Wilton Shaw, Manchester, England, Keith Shaw, Portland, Jamaica, Norman Shaw, Portland, Jamaica, Nadine Shaw, Brooklyn, New York and Leonie Shaw-Brown (Errol), Manchester, England. His grandchildren: Marsh Shaw (Erica), Domitia Shaw, George Johnson, Jr., Lakeria Johnson, Moses Augustin, Veronica Louise Shaw-Russ, Carlous Shaw Jr., Shantoria Shaw-Fowler, Devin Shaw, Laquandra White, Lasuandra White and LeNori Williams. Fifteen great grandchildren, Sister-in-laws: Anniece Jones-Baker (Sylvester), Ruthie Vane, and Betty McAllister, Special Niece: Suzette Shaw, Adopted granddaughters.  Samantha Williams-Castelly and Sanquetta Williams-Gamble. Special Cousins: Velta Smith and Minzel McFarlane, Dear Friends: Author Carter Family, Louise & Mae Allen Family, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and loving friends.