Tributes

S H I E L D S After a three week struggle with gastric cancer, Willia Dean Gray Shields went home to be with her Lord on February 2, 2009 at the age of 75. She was born in Okemah, Oklahoma on February 20, 1933 and was preceded in death by her parents William Thomas Gray and Ida Lily Jessen Gray, and older sister Willie Maxine of McAlester, OK. She was a dedicated Dental Assistant and was called "The Tooth Lady" when she worked as a Dental Health Educator in the public schools of McAlester, Oklahoma. During her lifetime she lived in Okemah, McAlester and Atoka, OK. Later, she moved to Mt View, AR and then San Antonio, TX to be near her girls. She was a Christian and was active in First Baptist Churches in McAlester and Atoka Oklahoma and later in Foothills Baptist Church, Mt. View, AR and Shearer Hills Baptist Church, San Antonio, TX. She married the love of her life, Walter Jefferson Keenon Shields on June 15, 1952 in McAlester, OK. Together they had two daughters Judy Kay and husband Chris Madeira of Round Rock, TX, and daughter Mary Jane and Wayne DeLeon of San Antonio, TX. She loved her grandbabies William Keenon DeLeon and wife Andrea of Norman, OK, and Allison Elizabeth Dale of College Station, TX. She is also survived by her sister Bonnie Jean Gray Thomason of Moore, OK and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Willia Dean was passionate about her family, giving advice only when asked, and knowing when to keep her peace and let them learn from their own mistakes. She was forever giving of herself, loved to help her friends and knew no strangers. Her home was always open to whoever decided to drop by for a visit any time of day. She loved to sit on her front porch and wave to the neighbors as they passed by and welcomed them into her home for food and fellowship. She crocheted countless baby afghan blankets because she "liked to keep her hands busy." Her latest project was to make afghans for sick animals at her veterinarian's office. SERVICES A graveside service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX on February 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the organization of your choice.

Tributes

Willia Dean Gray Shields

February 20, 1933 - February 2, 2009