of Jonesboro, AR
September 4, 1937 - August 9, 2017
Norma Jean Smith Shields died Wednesday, August 9, just two weeks shy of her 80th
birthday. She passed peacefully at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro due to the ravages of cancer.
Norma Jean is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Johnny Shields of the home in Jonesboro, children; Mindy Shields of Jonesboro, John W. Shields (Brenda) of Hardy, Jennifer Baltz (Chris) of Newton, North Carolina and April Maddox (Brian) of Jonesboro, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, as well as hundreds of friends, dear to her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Gladys Smith.
Norma Jean graduated with honors from Hoxie High School in 1955 at which time she received a full scholarship in Vocal Music from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She received several honors while a student at Arkansas State, being chosen as an Honorary Cadet Captain in the ROTC program, was elected Sweetheart of Pershing Rifles, received the Julian James Award for citizenship, and was a member of the Arkettes, a vocal group that performed in high school assemblies throughout northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. She was active in Little Theater groups and had the lead in musical productions of broadway shows such as "Showboat", "The Sound of Music", and "Oklahoma".
Norma Jean loved to bowl, garden, landscape her yard, and most of all enjoyed family gatherings and celebrations. She served her Savior, Jesus Christ, by singing in choirs, and solos in her local church.
Funeral service will be Saturday, August 12 at the Highland Drive Baptist Church, 515 Highland Dr. at 2:00 PM with Dr. Johnny Hutchison, Senior Pastor and Bro. Curtis Shatley of Walnut Street Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
Interment will follow the funeral service at Lawrence Memorial Park Cemetery on Northwest Colonial Dr. in Walnut Ridge.
Pallbearers are John Warren Shields, Jr., Zac Baltz, Fowler Maddox, Brian Maddox, Chris Baltz and Matt Harden. Alternates are Brian Hill and Taylor Self.
Honorary pallbearers are David Worlow, Tommy Moore, Jim Gillis, Don Bailey and Terry Hutton.
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6 Condolence(s)
Talmadge Graham
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Johnny, I am so sorry to read about the death of your wife. I will always cherish our friendship through the years, beginning as next door neighbors on SW Third street in Walnut Ridge, being in the National Guard together and just seeing each other at different times. If you are ever in Heber Springs, look me up. It sounds like you have a wonderful family. You are in my prayers.
Al Benton. Molly. Rogers
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Sorry for your loss mrs April praying for you and your family
Lawrence and barbara Bergman
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Johnny and Family-- We are so very sorry for your loss. God Bless .
Rev. Marion Stringer
Saturday, August 12, 2017
April, we are all so sorry to hear about your precious mother, but know that she is singing in the heavenly choir today and free of pain.
We've just brought Steph home from hospital following surgery, but please know we are praying for your family today.
May God fill your heart with love and peace in the days ahead,
Rev. Marion Stringer
Dan and Phyllis Scott
Stephanie Scott
Robert & Kathy Johnson
Friday, August 11, 2017
We pray God comforts you during this time of grief. I have many fond memories from the days you lived on East Lee Ave in Sherwood, like killing and cooking the mean rooster, trip to The Great Passion Play, fish fry with frog legs, and many Sunday after church lunches. Thank you for your witness and sharing Jesus Christ.
Robert & Kathy Johnson
Benton, AR
BTW funeral home home shows Google's erroneous map location of the church.
Joyce Forehand Holder
Friday, August 11, 2017
Johnny,
So sorry to hear about Norma Jean. Edward and I send our deepest condolences.