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Thelma Juanita THOMPSON SHIELDS
1918 to 2013
For decades, Juanita SHIELDS was the backbone and the heart of the
Atoka Cemetery Association. She helped established the Association, was
a Board member until 2008, and can be credited for most of the work to
maintain and refurbish the Atoka Cemetery. In addition, she found
diaspora-ed family members, inviting them back into the Atoka Cemetery
family.
In addition to the annual 1996 Homecoming, the Texas Historical Marker for
Atoka Cemetery was dedicated during this gathering. The Texas Historical
Marker was donated to the Atoka Cemetery in memory of the life and work
of Jack SHIELDS.
The Atoka Cemetery --
and the families of those buried there --
owe an immeasurable debit of gratitude to
Juanita THOMPSON SHIELDS.
[editorial comment]
[Posted at North's Funeral Home, Abilene, Taylor Co, TEXAS.]
Obituary for (Thelma) Juanita Shields
(Thelma) Juanita Thompson Shields, 95, died on December 24, 2013, her
favorite day of the year. She lived her life with fullness, faith, and verve. And
as she wished, she passed peacefully from a brief illness. All services will
be held Saturday, January 4, 2013. Visitation will be held at North’s Funeral
Home, 242 Orange St, Abilene, [Taylor and Jones Cos] TX 79601 from 9:00
am to 11:00 am. Funeral services will be held at Hopewell Baptist Church,
State Highway 153, Crews, [Runnels Co] Texas at 2:00 pm. with burial to
follow in Atoka Cemetery, intersection of Coleman County Roads 441/ 490
west of Novice, [Coleman Co] Texas.
Juanita was born on December 12, 1918 in Silver Valley, [Coleman Co]
Texas to Charles Spurgeon and Eva Camilla Beall Thompson in her father’s
ancestral house. Both the Thompson and Beall families have been in
Coleman County, since the mid-1800’s. She grew up in Silver Valley and
attended Silver Valley and Novice schools. After graduation, she married
Jack Shields. Together they had four children, 4 grandchildren, and 6 great-
grandchildren. They were married for 57 years [about 1937], until his death
in 1994.
Jack’s career as a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety
offered the couple many opportunities to move throughout the state. As the
children grew older, Juanita began her own career in 1950 as an
Optometric Assistant with Dr. Reese Nowlin, in Perryton, [Ochiltree Co]
Texas. When they moved to Abilene, Texas in 1954, she joined Dr. Grady
Jolly’s practice where she worked alongside Drs. Jolly, Jimmy McNeil, and
James Wadley until her retirement in 1983. She was a beloved part of the
staff known for her professionalism, kindness, holiday sweets and
everything red.
Juanita and Jack retired to the Shields ranch near Novice, Texas and the
historical Atoka community where Juanita enjoyed various hobbies and
pursued a wide range of interests. She devoted her days to quilting, making
ceramics for friends and family, creating do-it-your-self crafts, decorating
and entertaining for holidays, socializing, and working on community
projects. Most special were her weekends hosting family such as grandson
Chris, organizing the Shields Cousins Reunions every 4th of July and
lighting the ranch for Christmas (reputed to be visible by space). And it
wasn’t unusual to see her have Sunday and Monday gatherings during
football season to satisfy her passion for the game.
A devoted and joyful Christian she was a member of First Baptist Church of
Abilene for 29 years with 20 of those years as a nursery attendant
volunteer. Many still refer to her as the “Baby Whisperer”. Her calming and
reassuring confidence would relax and quiet the most upset of babies. The
move to the ranch started a 30 year membership at Hopewell Baptist
Church of Crews and her famous Christmas Parties which were always
filled with joy, Christmas carols and lots of sweets and treats.
Juanita was a Lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was
Past Worthy Matron, River Oaks Chapter # 1013 and a member of
Coleman Chapter # 360. She treasured the sisterhood bonds formed with
the members. In 2012 she received her 50 year membership award.
Following Jack’s death in 1994, she remained at the ranch and continued
her many activities until illness dictated her move to Abilene in 2008. She
lived at Royal Estates Assisted Living and moved to Wesley Court Skilled
Nursing in 2010 where she resided until her death. At both locations her
passion for decorating for the holidays was legendary. Her room at
Christmas became a regular stop for staff and visitors alike. The kindness
and caring of the staffs at each facility will always be appreciated by the
family.
Juanita loved beautiful red flowers and unique arrangements, but in lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to Disability Resources, Inc., Attn:
Memorials and Honorariums, P.O. Box 1880, Abilene, TX 79604.
She was preceded in death by: husband, Jack Shields (1918-1994);
daughter, Jacqueline Shields (Hubert) (1938-1995); son, Joe Milton Shields
(1942), son, Judson Payne Shields (1944-1994).
She is survived by: daughter, Jenniffier Shields Hawes, husband David and
children; daughter-in-Law, Rosalind Craver Shields Buffaloe, husband Tom
and children; granddaughter, Lynly Ann Shields Stephen, husband Eric and
daughters; grandson, Christopher Payne Shields; granddaughter, Victoria
Page Hawes and children; grandson, Jeffrey M. Hawes, wife Angela and
son; nephew, W.M. (Bill) Shields, wife Sue and sons; nephew, L.L (Tobe)
Shields, wife Peggy and sons; nephew, Doug Shields, wife Judy and
daughters; niece, Diane Shields Reynolds and children; and, niece, Twila
Shields Bard, husband Larry and sons.