Ruth Byrd Shaw age 77 of Daytona Beach FL was called to her heavenly home on Friday February 13 2009. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday February 19 2009; 1:00 PM at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church 449 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard Daytona Beach Florida with Reverend Walter J. Lassiter II Pastor presiding. Family and friends will gather at the church for viewing prior to the service from 11:00 AM until the service time. Interment will follow at Daytona Memorial Park. Ms. Shaw was born Ruth Alma Byrd on August 18 1931 in Oak Hill FL to the late Rev. James Byrd and the Late Rev. Sylvia McPhaul-Byrd. She attended Oak Hill Pubic School Chisholm High School New Smyrna Beach Tuskegee Institute (University) Alabama Bethune-Cookman College Daytona Beach FL and the University of South Florida Tampa. She dedicated her life as a Certified Lay Christian Counselor Elementary School Teacher and Media Specialist. She was a proud member of Mt. Zion AME Church One to One Family Christian Counseling Inc. and the Caregivers Support Group Halifax area. Ruth Byrd Shaw was a member of a rare breed: faithful brilliant creative organized and driven by a desire for worthwhile achievement. She will be remembered as a teacher by profession and example. Those who will perpetuate her legacy are her son Darryl Leon (Giocille T.) the Shaw grandchildren; Olivia Michelle and Marcus Allen Shaw of Tuxedo New York brothers; Eddie J. ( Gwendolyn F.) Byrd Ormond Beach Charlie (Barbara) Williams Huston TX and Michael (Gloria) Williams Deltona FL sisters; Min. Lois J. Byrd Daytona Beach FL Clifford L. (William) Wrench Rancho Viejo TX aunt: Arlene Byrd Somerset NJ nieces nephews and their spouses grand nieces and nephews; cousins from the Byrd McPhaul Collins Moore and Charles Families God sister Ann Austin Daytona Beach and many devoted friends and caregivers including Stephen Jenkins.