With sadness, the family of Frances Brogdon Shaw Fennell announces her death on May 17, 2010 in Gainesville, Ga. Mrs. Fennell was 86 years old.
A life long resident of Hall County, Mrs. Fennell was the daughter of the late Adaval Reed and Dewitt Brogdon. She was a highly respected teacher who throughout her career taught students in kindergarten. Frances founded and operated Happyland Kindergarten in Gainesville for over 20 years. Her passion for educating young children continued on by her teaching in the Hall County school system where she was honored as a Teacher of the Year. On the college level, she taught in the Early Childhood Education Department at Valdosta State College where her academic focus was on the issues and methods in teaching multi-handicapped 5 year olds.
Mrs. Fennell lived a life of professional and personal accomplishment. Her professional goal was to teach children a love for learning and mutual respect in a happy setting. The lives and accomplishments of the many hundreds of students who passed through her classroom from Happyland and Hall County schools demonstrate that she extraordinarily accomplished her professional goal.
Frances earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Brenau College and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia. She was a member of numerous civic and professional organizations where she was recognized for her talents and leadership. Frances was a gifted pianist who enjoyed playing in her classroom and for the First Baptist Church choirs, where she was a Sunday School teacher and lifelong member. Noted for her vivacious personality, her versatility and her exceptional talent, she was in demand to perform at charitable and civic events. Mrs. Fennell also volunteered at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center for over 25 years.
Survivors include her Daughter and Son-in-law; Havalyn and Randy Bennett, Gainesville; Son and Daughter-in-law; Elliott and Darlene Shaw, Flowery Branch; Grandchildren; Natalie Shaw, Cornelia; Angie and Tim McGill, Maysville; Taylor Shaw and Rachel Shaw, both of Flowery Branch; Drew & Kimnie Bennett, Pooler, Ga; Great Grandchildren; Sophia Shaw, Cornelia; Travis, Conner & Kiana Bennett, Pooler, Ga; Mrs. Fennell is preceded in death by her first husband, Esco Elliott Shaw, Sr., a son, Allan Brogdon Shaw and her second husband, Bob Fennell.
Finally, she counted as her lifeâ
