Honoring Marcia Shaw

Every so often, we are reminded of just how precious life is. This is one of those moments. Please take a moment to pause and reflect on the blessing of health and prosperity as we commemorate the life and transition of our beloved sorority sister Marcia Shaw.

Marcia hailed from Monrovia, Liberia. Anyone who has had the opportunity to visit Monrovia returns to home reminiscing about what they loved most – the people. Liberians are often recognized for their spirit of hospitality and accommodation, and Marcia truly embodied the heart of her native culture. Her inviting and generous nature was highly evident in how she approached her responsibilities as hostess of the Psi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA). Marcia welcomed women of AKA from around the world during their travels to South Africa. On a recent occasion, a sorority member visiting Johannesburg from the United States shared a story of Marcia coming to her rescue, helping her get home safely after a late-night event. On the ride home, Marcia graciously shared her experiences living in South Africa and abroad, humbly highlighting her successes and difficulties while encouraging the visiting sorority member to enrich herself and fearlessly travel to experience new cultures. Having never met a stranger, Marcia’s soul left a lasting impact on those she knew well and in passing.

In addition to being a wonderful host and committed sorority sister, Marcia’s roles as mother, grandmother, sister, and matriarch were her most notable accomplishments. She leaves behind four children, ten grandchildren, one brother, four sisters, one foster sister, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. We truly believe that you reap what you sow, and we’d like to show love and support to Marcia’s family through a collective love offering to honor and repay the kindness that she planted into her sorority and broader communities.

Marcia’s love of all things beautiful, as evidenced by her career as a curator, educator, and collector of African art with her business Image Africa, founded 26 years ago. The art world, especially in South Africa, will never be the same. Those who have had an opportunity to benefit from Marcia’s skill for design and curation will reflect on her keen eye and ability to recognize the value of creation. While our loss saddens us, we are incredibly grateful for the gifts of art education and inspiration that Marcia imparted to us, and we will carry those gifts forward as we interact with art in all forms.

We have created this GoFundMe page to help Marcia’s family manage lingering obligations and celebrate her life. Every contribution counts and would be greatly appreciated. Transitions are challenging, but change can feel manageable when your community surrounds you with love and support.

Currently, Marcia’s family is most in need of funding to support final expenses and outstanding obligations. Marcia’s closest family members live in the United States and several countries in Europe and Africa, and due to the pandemic, they have been planning and managing her homegoing process almost virtually, coordinating with her daughter, who flew to Johannesburg to be with her in her final days.

Marcia’s wish was to be cremated, and although those details are still being finalized, a formal virtual homegoing event will be produced and held at a date yet to be confirmed.

A gift of any size, even just $20, would fundamentally improve this difficult experience for Marcia’s family, allowing them to focus on her legacy and grieve. Please join us as we support them and send her off with the honor she deserves.

Thanks so much for reading this and considering the request. Please pray, meditate and engage in positive thoughts with us as we adjust to a new reality without our beloved family member, sorority sister, and friend.