Daisy Browdetta Shands

Daisy Browdetta Shands, born on March 25, 1929 in Monroe, Louisiana. Died on January 12, 2024 surrounded by her family at home in Cleveland Heights of complications from breast cancer. The second of three children, Daisy was proceeded in death by her parents, Browder and Florence Willis, her sister Mary Elizabeth, her brother Browder Jr., and her beloved husband, Norman James Shands, Jr.  They had been married for 46 years. She is survived by her children Philip (Shuara Wilson) and Claire A. (Eric Waag). Loving grandmother of Adam and Rachel Shands and Alyssa and Jonah Waag as well as several nieces and nephews throughout the country.

She was baptized and educated at the Holy Rosary Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana, which was started in 1913 by the Sisters of the Holy Family. Founded in 1837, the Institute was the second Black religious order in the United States.  She and Norman met at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1949 she graduated and married Norman that year. They moved to Evanston Illinois, where they started a family. They moved to Cleveland in 1959 to be closer to her sister, Mary Elizabeth Goode.

Throughout her life, Daisy focused on family as she helped and supported her husband, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition, to taking care of her sister, who had a long and complicated illness, she traveled to take care of her parents as they aged. She was a former member of St Mary’s (Evanston Il,) St Cecelia, St Margaret Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Services will be held at St Dominic Catholic Church in Shaker Heights Wednesday January 17, at 11:30 am, with viewing at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Highland Park Cemetery.  Following the services, a reception will be held at the home of Dr. Philip and Shuara Shands, 22887 Holmwood Rd., Shaker Heights, OH. 44122.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Daisy suggested to Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122. Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.