Vila Cain Clark Shad of St. Marys, beloved wife of 65 years to Robert Lee Shad Sr., passed away at her home at 207 N. Julia Street in St. Marys on Sept. 10, 2021.
She was born on March 2, 1934, at 6 Smith St. in Charleston, South Carolina. She was baptized and a long time member of Bethel Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, until moving to Jacksonville, Florida, at age 12. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in St. Marys. She loved the Lord and her testimony of her faith in God was how she lived her life as a faithful wife and mother and always helping others in some way.
Her greatest accomplishments were her family, Her love for them all, which was sometimes unique, she was special to them all. They would often tease her about her Charlestonian accent and use words mixed with Charlestonian/Gullah and Geechee (sometimes they had no idea what she was saying). And they all had their own stories about “Mom” also known as “Nanny.” She loved her family and was very proud of each and every member of her family.
She is survived by her son, Robert L. Shad Jr. (Terri); daughters Mary Katherine (Cathy) Willis (James), Vila Joyce Shad Pitts, Lori Ann Shad and Melody Elaine Shad Crocker; grandchildren Robert Lee Shad III (Shawna), Melissa Renee Shad, James Elmer Willis III, Nathan Robert Tweedell, Alyssa Brooke Tweedell, Jennifer Nicole Michele Cardona Lopez (Angel), Timothy Allen Johnson (Erin), Lessli Ann Johnson Gaskins, Jarrod Christian Peterson (Rebecca), Rachel Elaine Crocker Abrahamson, Derek Alan Crocker; and 12 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lee Shad Sr.; her father and mother, Fritz Henry Clark and Ethel Parks Clark; and her siblings, Samuel Clark, Carroll Clark, Elford Clark, Chevis Clark, Margaret Clark, brother (unnamed) Clark, Fritz Clark and Betty Evans Clark; and grandson, Joshua Ein Willis.
“Semper Fi Mom, I love you.”
Relatives and friends were invited to attend the funeral service on Sept. 15, 2021 at Christ Episcopal Church starting at 10:30 am. Internment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Marys and reception to follow at Christ Episcopal Church.
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.