Iona Shields Warmack

In Loving Memory

Iona Shields

Warmack

Iona "Toni" Shields Warmack passed away on April 14, 2025, in Gordonsville, Virginia, at the age of 98.

Born on March 28, 1927, in Durham, North Carolina, Toni spent her early years in Durham, Asheville, and Greensboro alongside her two brothers, Walter DuPré and William "Bill." A beautiful young woman, Toni was named runner-up in the Miss North Carolina beauty contest at age 18.

Toni began her professional career with the Internal Revenue Office in Greensboro before transferring to Washington, D.C., where she served as secretary to the Commissioner of the IRS. While living across from the National Zoo, Toni met Joseph "Joe" Warmack. They married on July 18, 1953, in Greensboro and settled in Bethesda, Maryland in 1957. In November 2000, they moved to Gordonsville. Later in life, Toni worked with the Orange County Virginia Electoral Board until retiring in 2022.

Growing up in Bethesda our parents were lovingly referred to as Toni and Joe by the children of the neighborhood--as they were so much fun to be around. Toni and Joe shared a deep love for travel, exploring both the United States and Europe together. Toni also enjoyed reading mystery novels, gardening, and caring for animals on her family farm. In 2002, Toni and Joe helped found Orange Community Church of Christ, a spiritual home that always remained close to their hearts.

Toni is lovingly remembered by their four children: Michael Joseph of Cary, NC; William Andrew of Fredericksburg, VA; Paul Shields of Brandy Station, VA; and Sarah Anne of Gordonsville, VA.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on May 10, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 14193 James Madison Hwy, Orange, VA 22960.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans Victory Alliance at veteransvictoryalliance.org. (Improve facilities/Kitchen).

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.