Obituary of Frances M. Shields

AIKEN, SC – Frances M. Shields, age 83 passed away on July 10, 2022 with her family by her side.

 

She was the oldest of three siblings, born on 19 September 1938 in Seaman, Ohio to Carl F. Mapes and Mary Mapes Dement (nee Roberts). Frances was a 1956 graduate of Ironton High School, Ironton, Ohio. Upon graduating from high school she married Jerry F. Shields, and brought two sons into this world, Jerry F. Shields, Jr. and Berkley A. Shields.

 

Frances worked as a legal stenographer for the US Army Criminal Investigation Lab (USACIL) and finished her career as a program manager with the International Military Education and Training Division, at Fort Gordon, Georgia, retiring after 35 years of federal service. She was always proud of working with the soldiers and civilians who are committed to serving our country everyday. In her role as an IMET program manager she met soldiers from around the world, introducing them to democracy, US military organization and customs, and US cultural and historical institutions.

 

Upon retiring as a Department of Army civilian, she immediately enrolled in South Carolina Real Estate Agent training, and received her license to sell real estate in both Georgia and South Carolina. She retired as a licensed real estate agent after 20 years, having worked for Eulalie Salley and Meybohm Realtors in Aiken, SC. Her greatest pleasure was in serving her clients in their pursuit of purchasing the perfect home for their family. She was a vocal advocate of all things Aiken, and believed it to be a special place to live. Frances was a long time member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.

 

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Carla C. Osborne. Survivors include one sister, Delores M. Leibecke of Dayton, Ohio, sons Jerry F. Shields, Jr. (Renee) of Dayton, Ohio and Berkley A. Shields (Lynnette) of Aiken, SC, and two grandchildren, Erin E. Eberline (Joseph) of Ypsilanti, MI and Brendan M. Shields of Las Vegas, NV, as well a many cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

The family would like to thank Enhabit Hospice for the attentive care provided during Frances’s last days, and the staff at Benton House for their wonderful care and support during her time there.

 

A private service will be conducted at Calvary Cemetery, Seaman, Ohio at a later date.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com