Norma Jean Shields

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 p.m. with Dr. Johnny Hutchison, Senior Pastor and Bro. Curtis Shatley of Walnut Street Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 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. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.