Laura Shaw Atkinson Cameron ("Mrs. A.B."), 95, died peacefully on July 18, 2020, at Inspired Living of Tampa.  She was born April 23, 1925, in Marietta, NC, to Sellers and Annie Atkinson.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Audrey Brown ("A.B.") Cameron, her parents, three brothers, Horace, Ralph, and Richard Atkinson; and three sisters, Mary Adelaide and Annie Lou Atkinson, and Katherine Atkinson Spivey.

Laura Shaw met A.B. after he returned from serving in the Navy during World War II; they were married on June 21, 1947, and lived in Sanford, NC.  A.B. passed away in 2000 at the age of 78.   Laura Shaw is survived by her three children: Will (Mary Ellen) Cameron, Blair (Carol) Cameron, and Page Cameron (Dave) Hawes, five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, 13 grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Laura Shaw graduated in 1945 from Flora McDonald College in Red Springs, NC, and became a high school teacher of math and French. She taught the majority of her career at Benhaven School in Olivia, NC.  Mrs. A.B., as she was affectionally known, taught for a total of 34 years and retired in 1985.  She was loved dearly in and out of the classroom and touched many lives.

Mr. Jerry Long, a former principal of Benhaven, said at the last Benhaven reunion, "The real Miss Benhaven is Mrs. A.B.; she personifies the spirit of the school.  Mrs. A.B. loves this school, its students, and this community.  She is always positive, always thinking of others, and will take on any challenge and complete it.  She was a joy for the principal to have on his staff."

Laura Shaw loved and served at Barbecue Presbyterian Church for 72 years.  She gladly volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, Choir Director, Vacation Bible School Director, and also served the Lord as historian, elder, and with the Women of the Church.  One of the joys in her retirement was visiting sick and elderly members with the pastor and sending cards of care and encouragement.

Those who were blessed to know Laura Shaw remember her as a sweet, gentle soul whose underlying mission seemed to be loving people for the Lord.  She leaves a legacy of cherished heart prints with those who remain.

Laura Shaw will be at Smith Funeral home in Broadway for viewing on Friday, July 24, 2020, from 2-6 pm.

A public graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 10:30 am at Barbecue Presbyterian Church by the Rev. David Sherrod.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barbecue Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 124 Barbecue Church Road, Sanford, NC 27332.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.