Dr. Redshaw was born in Beardstown, Ill., on Sept. 4, 1948, to Francis and Margaret Lee Redshaw. As their first-born child, Dr. Redshaw often said she benefited greatly from the emphasis her parents placed on education. She graduated from high school in Quincy, Ill., in 1966 and completed a BS degree in biology with honors four years later at Quincy University. With a National Defense Education Act fellowship for graduate study, she completed a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at Illinois State University in 1974.

After completing post-doctoral study at St. Louis Medical School in Microbiology in 1977, Dr. Redshaw served as assistant professor of biology at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Penn., from 1977-79.

Austin College recruited her to become the only female professor on the science faculty in 1979, teaching courses in her specialty, genetics, as well as cell biology and human genetics for non-majors. In 1985, She married fellow professor Dr. Jerry Lincecum and would work with him on many projects throughout their 39-year marriage, including leading several student study groups to Ireland, where Dr. Redshaw used her photography skills to document the landscape and historic sites.

Dr. Redshaw was known for her interdisciplinary work that bridges biology, folklore, and regional history, and she received numerous awards for her teaching, writing, and community involvement during 35 years on the faculty at Austin College.

In 1997, she and two collaborators published the scholarly book, Science on the Texas Frontier, which was lauded for its historical research and writing. Dr. Redshaw presented many scientific papers and made presentations to statewide and local historical societies, including the Texas Folklore Society, where she served on the board. In 1990, Drs. Redshaw and Lincecum founded Big Barn Press and the Telling Our Stories family history project, which together became a vehicle for publishing the reminiscences of hundreds of local writers.

Preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dr. Redshaw is survived by her husband of 39 years, Dr. Jerry Lincecum; a niece, Amy Redshaw of Springfield, Ill.; several cousins; and her stepchildren, David Lincecum of Austin, Debbie Jensen of Flower Mound, and Doug Lincecum of Dallas. She will be fondly remembered by many former students, colleagues and friends.

Memorials may be made to Austin College, 900 N. Grand Ave., Sherman, TX; and online reminiscences and expressions of condolence may be made at the online
guestbook at www.DannelFuneralHome.com.