Elizabeth Shawan

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Elizabeth Ann Harris Shawan, 85, of Poplar Bluff passed away at 2:35 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Crowley Ridge Care Center.

Elizabeth Shawan

Lovingly being held by her son, Jeff Shawan, and beloved granddaughter, Christina Shawan, she slipped away peacefully, hearing how much she was loved by family members and friends and what a wonderful mother she was.

Born in the family home in Illmo on Oct. 13, 1934, Liz was the fourth child out of five to C.P. and Louise Harris. A Depression-era child, Liz grew up with a strong work ethic in a stable family with deep religious roots. As a young girl, Liz accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Illmo Baptist Church. Her personal relationship with Jesus was a rock-solid commitment that endured throughout her life, in good times and bad, and never faltered or wavered.

Liz wed Paul Shawan, from Cape Girardeau, on Sept 10, 1955, at Illmo Baptist Church, after Paul spotted her working as a typist through the window at the Southeast Missourian newspaper in Cape Girardeau. On June 21, 1956, their son, Jeffrey Shawan, was born, and in 1957, the young family moved to Poplar Bluff, where they prospered and lived for the rest of their lives.

Her typing and organizational skills were extraordinary. After serving as a secretary at Poplar Bluff High School, she accepted the position of faculty secretary for the newly formed Three Rivers Junior College, retiring after 25 years service. Paul and Liz were avid fans of the Championship Raiders, attending hundreds of games, traversing the state and loving trips to Hutchison, Kansas, for national tournaments. Raider basketball in the Gene Bess tradition was a rich source of entertainment and pride.

Devoted First Baptist Church, Poplar Bluff, member, she sang for decades in the choir, served as girls camp counselor, and helped for years with FBC youth group. If the doors were open, Shawans were attending.

Diagnosed in 1986 with ovarian cancer, Liz faced that life challenge with admirable courage and inspired many with her positive attitude and spiritual faithfulness through chemotherapy and additional surgery. She often expressed her thankfulness to God for her complete recovery.

Liz deeply loved her siblings, and when two of her brothers, Charles Harris and Bob Harris, both became First Baptist members, she was joyful to be able to fellowship with them both on a Sunday morning. Reading and traveling were two of her favorite pastimes. Faith and family were most important to her and she left having led a full and fulfilled life.

Survivors are her son, Jeff Shawan and wife, Christy Montgomery Shawan, of Poplar Bluff; grandchildren, Laura Cassity of Goddard, Kansas, and Christina Shawan of Poplar Bluff; and great-grandchildren, Keith and Faith Cassity of Goddard. Also surviving are a number of people who she deeply influenced with her mothering ways, Michael Murphy, Susan Price, Denise Douglas and Kathy Richardson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, C.P and Louise Harris; her husband, Paul Shawan; brothers, Bill Harris, Bob Harris and Charles Harris; and one sister, Mary Louise Hartsoe.

Due to the current pandemic, there will not be visitation or funeral service. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Liz Shawan may be made to United Cancer Assistance Network or Whole Kids Outreach.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.willowridgefcs.com.

Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.