Ila Shaw Blevins

In Loving Memory of Ila Shaw Blevins

Ila Shaw Blevins, lovingly known as Nana by many, peacefully entered the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 8, 2026 at the age of 95. A faithful follower of Christ until the very end, she leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, and a family forever shaped by her beautiful example.

Born on June 9, 1931, in Galax, Virginia, to Ben and Sarah Shaw, she married the love of her life, Robert Eugene “Gene” Blevins, in 1949. Together, they raised four daughters and shared 26 years of marriage before his passing in 1976.

During her long professional career, she worked as the purchasing agent at Waddell Hospital and Twin County Hospital before moving to North Carolina in 1979, where she served as district secretary for a drug company until she retired in 2006. Outside of work, she found great joy in growing flowers and tending to her beloved roses. She also had a special love for hummingbirds, faithfully keeping their feeders filled and delighting in watching them visit her garden. These simple pleasures reflected her appreciation for the beauty of God's creation. Above all, she was happiest when serving others, always finding ways to care for those around her with kindness and a generous heart, and encouraging us to, “Keep on, keeping on.”

Her life was rooted in faith, guided by prayer, and devoted to loving her family. She was the heart of her family and a cherished matriarch whose influence spans generations. Her presence will be deeply missed but her legacy will live on through her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched. A faithful prayer warrior, she was always first to receive a call when there was a need. Her prayers will continue to bless her family and generations yet to come.Through her unwavering faith and beautiful example, she showed all who knew her what it means to live out the love of Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her daughters, Wanda “Pinky” Wilson, Sara (Harold) Williamson, Pat (Gary) White, and Cheri (Mark) Strickland, her grandchildren, Sunshine (Andy) Andrews, Shawna (Shane) Wilson, Zac (Terra) Wilson, Megan (Brett) Kinnison, Sloan (Ariana) Williamson, Shana (Donald) Williamson, Hannah (Josh) Burke, Sarah Strickland, James (Casey) Strickland, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family also wishes to recognize and express heartfelt gratitude for her precious, longtime caregivers – Sonya Harris and Dawn Hammond – whose devoted care, compassion, and love over the past three years brought comfort and joy to her life. She loved and appreciated you both.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gene Blevins, her parents, Ben and Sarah Shaw, her son-in-law, Tom Wilson, and her six older siblings, Helen Kathleen Shaw, Hope Shaw Carter, Mildred Shaw Poole, Ramona Shaw Green, Jim Shaw and Bob Shaw.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and the assurance that they will be reunited one day. We can only imagine the joyful reunion that awaited her in Heaven and trust that she heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Until we meet again, our precious Mom and Nana.

A Celebration of Ila’s Life will be held on Monday, October 12. Visitation will be from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. with services following at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home in Galax, Virginia.