Dates
Verna Lucille (Goodson) Shaw passed away peacefully on April 29th, 2026, in San Angelo, Texas. Verna was born in Dime Box, Texas to father Vernon Goodson and mother Bertha Cottrell Goodson.
Verna grew up in Giddings, Texas with four dear siblings and moved to San Angelo, Texas in the late 50’s. Verna lovingly raised five children with her late first husband Peter B. Flynn Jr. After raising her family, Verna got her teaching degree at Angelo State University and worked as a teacher at West Texas Boys Ranch. Verna married William H. “Bill” Shaw in 1984 and was married for 34 years until he passed in 2017.
Known lovingly as “Meme” to her grandchildren, she was the heart of her family. She loved Jesus deeply and lived out her faith every day, reading scripture, praying, encouraging, and always caring for others. She was generous with her home and her time, always ready to help someone or something in need.
Meme found a lot of joy in taking care of people, whether through her work in education or cooking for family and friends in her own kitchen. She was known for her pies (lemon and buttermilk and pecan, oh my!) and her fried chicken. Meme’s beloved cats, who are too numerous to count, dogs, birds, and squirrels ate just as good as her family! She was always tending her garden and kept the most beautiful roses. Meme had a playful side that really shone with her grandchildren and her growing number of great-grandchildren.
She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice, and her laugh was full and contagious– something her family will always remember. She will be remembered for her faith, her kindness, and a life poured out in love.
Verna is survived by her loving children, Colleen Hair and husband David, Elizabeth Tucker, Patrick Flynn, and Pete Flynn.
Verna was a proud grandmother to Darcy Cauley and husband Lucas, Sidney Whaley and husband Daniel, Allie Eagle and husband Garrett, Michaela Herricks and husband Brandon, Jack Biggerstaff, and Maggie Flynn. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Kelbi Cauley, Keegan Cauley, Kylar Cauley, Elizabeth Whaley, Daniel Whaley Jr., Beckett Eagle, Harper Eagle, and Bobby “Shaw” Herricks.
She also had many cherished members of the family whom she considered to be her “heart-children,” including Mike and Becky Anderson, Mike and Debbie Smith, Billy Smith, and Andrea Hanner, as well as her cherished “heart grandchildren,” Elaina Smith and Bryce Smith whom she greatly adored.
Verna was preceded in death by her second husband, William H. “Bill” Shaw; first husband Peter B. Flynn Jr.; her son, Michael Flynn; her parents, Vernon and Bertha Goodson; and her siblings, Mary Frances Symmank, John Goodson, Charles “Ike” Goodson, and Joe Goodson.
Verna was deeply grateful for the care and companionship of her devoted caregivers including Stephanie Rich, Stephanie Hernandez, Stefanie Dye, Diana Missouri, Juli Whittington, Olivia Guiterrez, and Danny Rodriguez.
Her family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to her devoted friend and longtime assistant, Christy Jones, who faithfully served alongside her for over 10 years. With unwavering dedication, she ensured every detail of her care and affairs was handled with excellence, love, and integrity. Her presence was a true blessing to both Verna and her family.
Visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Monday, May 4th, from 4:00-6:00pm. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, May 5th, at 11:00am in the Harper Funeral Home chapel.
Verna “Meme” will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her. The family takes comfort in knowing that she is wrapped in the arms of Jesus and in pain no more.
In honor and remembrance of Verna and her beautiful spirit, we ask that you would come wearing joyful colors. Come and celebrate her life and entrance into eternity!