Page created by: Melissa Shields

On the evening of February 18, 2023, Shirley Griffin Shields, age 83, died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved ones.

Shirley was born on March 28, 1939 to Jim and Kathleen Griffin in Huntsville, Alabama. She later moved to Hokes Bluff and graduated from Hokes Bluff High School in 1957. She soon married Billy Mack Shields, and they had three children, Stephen Mack Shields (wife Patti), Kathy Shields Jackson (husband Dickey, deceased), and Gregory Scott Shields (wife Melissa).

Shirley was the foundation of the family, through and through. She dedicated her life to being a wonderful mother and later in life, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was known for her incredible cooking, most notably fudge and caramel cakes. She was often seen in the stands, cheering on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a great listener, who loved with a beautiful spirit of kindness and grace. Whether it was supporting grandchildren through medical school, relationships, or cooking advice, she was the family’s constant champion and supporter.

When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and joy or attending sporting events, she could be found “thrifting” at her favorite stores or out on adventures with her best friends of many decades. She loved all things Elvis Presley and any excuse to dance.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her two sisters, Faye and Joyce, and son-in-law Dickey. She is survived by her brother, Ken Griffin (wife Ginni), three children and six grandchildren, Tyler Shields (wife Brooke), Brett Shields (wife Hanna), Kaitlyn Cancilla (husband Will), Ashlyn Shields (fiance Andrew), Drew Jackson (wife Sissy), and Carmen Thompson (husband Jason). She had 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

There will be a visitation Thursday, February 23, at the Glencoe Hokes Bluff Funeral Home from 10:30AM-12:30PM. A graveside service, officiated by her nephew, Jason Shields, will follow at 1PM. Pallbearers are Tyler Shields, Brett Shields, Colten Shields, Ethan Shields, Drew Jackson, and Rusty Rogers.

Special thanks to Amedisys Home Health and Hospice staff for their exceptional care and kindness, as well as Shirley’s sister-in-law and long-time friend, Loretta Shields Sauls and caregiver, Rhona Laney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.