Mary L Shields

Mary Louise Shields was born June 25, 1945, to the late Henry & Sallie Mae Campbell in Memphis, Tennessee. She accepted Christ at an early age at Columbus Baptist Church. On February 14, 1975, she married James and their loving union span over 50 years. Mary was a loving daughter, sister, mother, auntie, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-aunt.
Mary's passions in life were family and education. She was a graduate of Manassas High School and a proud graduate of LeMoyne Owen College where she received a master's degree in education. After graduating, she began teaching in Memphis City Schools and continued her education working on a doctoral degree. She worked tirelessly educating the Afro-American youth of some of Memphis' poorest communities. Mary believed that ALL children could excel and encouraged her students to be the best at whatever they did. After teaching numerous years, she moved into administration at the Memphis City Schools Board of Education. She later went back into the schools as Curriculum Coordinator and then Assistant Principal until her retirement in 2002.
After a hard fight, Mary took her last breath on Monday, October 6, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving husband, James R. Shields; her daughter, LaTonja Gilliam; three grandchildren, Jamal Geeter (Gayle) of Nashville, James Geeter (Alexia) of Nashville, and Jazsmin Gilliam of Memphis; two great-grandchildren, Maryn Geeter and James Geeter; her special nieces and nephew, Wanda Collins, Russell Collins (TaTenisha), Rhia Hayes (Michael), and Lisa Collins; great-nieces & nephews, Jameun, Jamun, Jarvis, Jessica, Jamece, Jaleesa, Jamieria, Janae, Jabane, and Lucas; and a host of additional nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, William Gates, AJ Gates, Joseph Campbell, Lucille Broome, Henry Campbell III, Carolyn Collins, and Frank Campbell.
The family will receive friends Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at RS Lewis & Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111. Graveside services will be held Friday, October 17, 2025 11:00am at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125.
Internment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125