Linda Jo (Gibson) Shaw, of McKinney Texas, tragically passed away on March 6, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born on July 26, 1947, in Wichita Kansas to Robert R. and Betty Jo Gibson. Linda was a talented vocalist, pianist, and guitarist who began playing in folk venues in Wichita. While these gifts eventually led to a degree from one of the most arduous music programs in the country, they more importantly put her on the path to her beloved William Francis Shaw whom she married on May 5, 1969 in Wichita.
In addition to her passion for music, Linda was also a skilled tactile artist. She was an accomplished seamstress who began by sewing clothes for her performances. Her children grew up wearing the clothing she made for them, her grandchildren were spoiled with the fruits of her labors. She quilted extensively and produced works knit, embroidered, and crocheted. She poured love into the items she crafted for others and Linda will most certainly be remembered for the costumes she created and wore to Celina Public Library events throughout her 15 years of service to the community.
Linda began her academic career at McLennan Community College under the tutelage of Dr. Karen Albrecht, a nationally renowned vocal instructor. She graduated from MCC in 2000 and it was her studies there that led her to audition for and be accepted into the prestigious Baylor University School of Music to pursue a degree in Vocal Studies. She graduated Magna Cum Laude receiving a Bachelor of Music degree from Baylor University in 2004, the oldest graduate to have ever completed this highly competitive program. Linda, now a member of Phi Beta Kappa, received a graduate certificate in Advanced Management in Libraries and Information Agencies in 2006 culminating in a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Texas in 2007. Throughout her academic career, Linda strived for and achieved academic excellence even as she continued to work full time and care for her family while serving the communities that had embraced her.
Having returned to the workforce in 1992, Linda advanced to become the Public Services of Library and Reference Librarian at Waco-McLennan County Library. With her tenure at Waco Public Library her academic focus had shifted as she grew to become an enthusiastic public servant and staunch advocate for literacy and community engagement. Thus began a long and distinguished career in public service spanning over 30 years.
In 2009, becoming the Director of Library Services in Celina, Texas, Linda initiated a start-up public library program and through an inter-local agreement with the Town of Prosper, implemented a town-funded joint-use public library at Reynolds Middle School. Linda was instrumental in kick starting both these small-town libraries which have grown exponentially over time. Linda was a beacon of light and learning for every community she served. Her unwavering dedication and passion for literary stewardship, education, intra-active public engagement and creative advocacy leaves a lasting legacy.
Above all else Linda was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She raised six children and countless pets while establishing roots throughout several states in her lifelong journey alongside Bill and her faith and trust in God never wavered. She wore her love, exuberance, laughter and eccentricities through bright and colorful floral patterns on the fabric of her sleeves and moved with fearless momentum in her color-drenched heels. She did so with all the gilt, glamor and glitter that touched everyone she came into contact with. She exuded a warmth and compassion that made her home a hospice for anyone in need of solace and happy peace.
Linda is survived by her brothers, Robert R. (Tripp) Gibson with wife Marilyn of Elkton, Florida and Bradley Curtis Gibson and wife, Marion of Keller, Texas. She is survived by her five remaining children and their families: Margaret Tara Shaw of McKinney, Texas; Bevin Kerith Bates of Ashland, Ohio; Bryna Carew Shaw of Pasadena, Maryland and her children, Tristan Adams with wife, Melissa Hauprich of Severn, Maryland, and Gabriel Adams of Pasadena, Maryland; Brennan Liam Shaw with wife, Venise, and their children, Katherine, Madalyn, and Liam of McKinney, Texas; Colin Strahan Shaw with wife, Kirby and their children of McKinney, Texas. Linda is survived also by extended family, countless friends she made over time, and all the lives she touched in her years of public service.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert R. and Betty Jo Gibson, husband, William Francis Shaw, and son, Tiernan Longarad Shaw.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 110 St. Garbriel Way, McKinney Texas 75071. The family encourages all who loved Linda to come honor her life, impact, and lasting legacy.