It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Ella Frances Melton Shaw, has departed this world for her home in heaven. Ella passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, after a brave and determined battle with cancer. Ella was born on June 6, 1958, in Tallassee, Alabama.

Ella leaves behind her devoted husband, Craig Shaw, to whom she was married for 35 years.  Ella also is survived by her sons, Nathan and Lincoln (Amy) and daughter April (Matt), as well as her sweet and cherished grandchildren Amy Kate, Lucas and David. Ella also leaves behind a sister, Freda. She is preceded in death by her parents Davis and Frederica Melton.

Ella loved and was loved by all in her extended family. She leaves behind many who call her sister, aunt, or cousin. She was dedicated beyond compare to making family time a fun time. She was the family historian, photographer, and knowledge keeper. She always made time to help and share with any project.

Music was always a driving force for Ella. Her time with the Marching Southerners of Jax State and the Cavaliers from DCI were some of her favorite memories and were always her happiest stories to recall. While at JSU, she was a member of Kappa Delta Epsilon and was a little sister for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. She developed many deep, life-long friendships in these spaces, and she stayed in close contact with those friends throughout the years.  

Ella was a lifelong educator. She touched thousands of lives during her time as an English teacher, color guard coach, administrator, and colleague at Crestview High School for 35 years. Her students knew she loved them. Her coworkers knew they could depend on her and her administrative team trusted her. She lit up every room she walked in – be it the classroom, the break room, the gym, or any other part of the school. Her smile was genuine and would bring smiles to all those around.

Ella’s life of passion was not just about her education career, but also about her hobbies of photography, writing, researching, and her faith in God. Her wealth of knowledge was apparent in discussions of sports, ancestry, DAR, or the bible. She could draw anyone into a conversation about any subject. Everyone who met Ella, loved Ella.

You are invited to share in the celebration of Ella on Saturday, March 22, at First Baptist Church in Crestview at 171 E Hickory Ave. Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm and a service will begin at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Ascension Scared Heart Pensacola, where Ella received excellent care and treatment for five years: https://www.givesacredheart.org/donate.

Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shaw family during this difficult time.