Wichita Falls woman celebrates 100th birthday with 'Willie Jewel Shaw Day'

The city honors a century of community service and family dedication.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Willie Jewel Shaw, a 100-year-old resident of Wichita Falls, Texas, was celebrated with an official 'Willie Jewel Shaw Day' proclamation by the city. Shaw has been an active member of the Wichita Falls community for over 70 years, serving in various roles such as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a pianist at Eastside Baptist Church, and a talented baker. Her family and friends gathered at Jellystone Park to mark the milestone moment and recognize her lasting impact on the community.

Why it matters

Centenarians like Willie Jewel Shaw represent an important part of the Wichita Falls community, with their decades of service, dedication, and connection to the city's history. Honoring their achievements and contributions helps preserve the community's identity and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

The details

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the city of Wichita Falls officially proclaimed the day as 'Willie Jewel Shaw Day' to celebrate Shaw's 100th birthday. Shaw was surprised by family and friends at a celebration held at Jellystone Park, where District 4 City Councilor Mike Battaglino presented an official proclamation on behalf of the city. Throughout her life, Shaw has been an active member of the community, serving as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a pianist at Eastside Baptist Church, and a talented baker. Her family members say her most important roles have always been as a mother and grandmother, and that one of her greatest joys is spending time with her loved ones.

  • On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the city of Wichita Falls officially proclaimed the day as 'Willie Jewel Shaw Day'.
  • Willie Jewel Shaw celebrated her 100th birthday in 2026.

The players

Willie Jewel Shaw

A 100-year-old resident of Wichita Falls, Texas, who has been an active member of the community for over 70 years, serving in various roles such as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a pianist at Eastside Baptist Church, and a talented baker.

Mike Battaglino

The District 4 City Councilor in Wichita Falls, Texas, who presented an official proclamation on behalf of the city to honor Willie Jewel Shaw's 100th birthday.

Sam Craft

Willie Jewel Shaw's son-in-law, who expressed how ecstatic and happy she was to celebrate her milestone birthday with her loved ones.

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What they’re saying

“Sure I was”

— Willie Jewel Shaw

“[She] couldn't have been more happy; she's ecstatic. I think everybody, you know, we just want everybody in fellowship and showing some love.”

— Sam Craft, Willie Jewel Shaw's son-in-law

What’s next

The city of Wichita Falls plans to continue celebrating Willie Jewel Shaw's legacy and honoring her contributions to the community in the years to come.

The takeaway

Willie Jewel Shaw's 100th birthday celebration highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the lives of long-standing community members, whose decades of service and dedication have helped shape the identity and values of Wichita Falls. Her story inspires others to follow in her footsteps and make a lasting impact on their local communities.