Donna Lou Shaw

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Donna Shaw, of Midland, Texas.  She was 85 years old when she passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026. Services will be at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026.  Following the service, family and friends are invited to join together at The Branch to share a meal and continue celebrating Donna’s life through stories and fellowship.

Donna was born on May 19, 1940 in Burnet, Texas to Don Carlos McFarland and Lora Mae Ponton. She was a life-long Midlander and graduated from Midland High School in 1958. Donna played basketball for the Bulldogs, and was one of those famous eye witnesses that actually saw Elvis Presley perform live on stage in the MHS auditorium.  Donna married the love of her life, James Walter Shaw, and together they raised four wonderful children along their life’s journey and incredible marriage.  Once her children were in school, Donna began a long and fulfilling career in banking, and eventually became quite a notable bank officer, working at several banks in Midland and handling some of the largest accounts Midland had ever known.  Donna was known for being extremely sharp and methodical. Her incredible work ethic, ability to communicate with anyone and everyone, and her ability to handle any situation that could arise set her apart from others. Often, clients and co-workers would refer to her as “Donna, The Law, Shaw” because she could get things straightened out in a heartbeat and folks could rest assured things were done correctly. She retired from Wells Fargo Bank here in Midland in 2005, and began a life filled with cooking everything under the sun, including the best bread in town. Along with her passion of cooking, Donna loved nothing more than spending time caring for and spoiling all her grandchildren who fondly referred to her as Grandma-Mom. Her family will carry her in their hearts and memories forever as she was a living testament to a steadfast work ethic, a zest for making those around her always feel noticed and comfortable, and she had an undying love and loyalty for everyone in her family.

Donna leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly including Aprile Anglin (Charles) of Fort Worth, Rock Shaw of Midland, and Sherri Heiting (Tommy) of Midland along with their respective families.  Donna was blessed with seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.  Donna is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Jim Shaw, by her eldest son, Jay Shaw, and granddaughter, Kimberly Shaw.

The family would also like to express their gratitude towards the amazing hospital staff at Midland Memorial Hospital who showed the best qualities in care and comfort for our family’s matriarch when the time came for her to transition to Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be mailed to Odessa College Foundation, 201 West University Blvd., Odessa, Texas 79764 for the Jay Shaw Memorial Scholarship for Electrical Lineman.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Donna Lou Shaw, please visit our Tribute Store.