Corene Shields

Corene Shields, affectionately known as 'Mama Shields" and for her huge hugs, was born on February 27, 1935 in Sumter, Alabama to William and Mary Densmore. She was the fifth of 10 children born to their union. While still a young child her family moved to Bessemer, AL. At the age of 18, she boarded a train north, arrived and made her home in Chicago, Illinois, because she didn't like the hot weather in the south, a story she would later tell her daughter Jackie. She worked in a cafeteria making sandwiches in the Hyde Park area (which she was so proud of living in the area). She worked for 1st Chicago Bank (now known as Chase Bank) for a short time and then as a factory worker for Jays Potato Chips. In 1962, Corene met Wardell Shields and the two were married on May 29, 1964. To this union three children were born, Jacqueline, John and Harold. They were the youngest siblings added to her three sons, Gregory, Mark Anthony and David, and his two daughters, Trudy Lynnette and Barbara Louise and one son, Celestral. Corene always had an interest in the Bible and learning Bible truths and would pray often to finding those truths. Her prayers were answered when Sis. Lucille Harrison knocked on her door in Markham, IL and started a study with her. Corene then accepted what she was being taught to her as the truth. She started teaching these truths to her children. After dedicating her life to Jehovah, she symbolized her dedication through water baptism on May 13, 1972, becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Before pioneering, Sis. Shields would sew clothes for herself, her daughter and others. She was known in the Harvey West Congregation as a spiritual sister who kept many of the friends looking good with her seamstress talents. She enjoyed many years of working in the field ministry, with her many pioneer partners, such as Evelyn Chavers and Mabel Townsend, who including her were known as the Three Musketeers, always together issuing Bible and Spiritual truths to everyone they could reach. Sis. Shields was known by all as a strong faithful sister. She would be upset about missing her meetings when her health became a factor. However when she did feel better she was back out in service and at her Christian meetings serving Jehovah with a complete heart. On December 3, 2016, Corene Shields fell asleep in death. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Wardell; one son, David; her parents; three sisters, four brothers; one daughter-in-law, Priscilla; one grandson and one granddaughter. Corene leaves to cherish her loving memories, one sister, Louise Reynolds; one brother, Nathaniel; her children, Jacqueline, John (Coretta), Harold, Trudy Lynette, Barbara (Otha), Celestral, Gregory and Mark Anthony; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving friends.

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Corene Shields

February 27, 1935 - December 3, 2016