Shirley McDowell Shields ("Mama Shirl") was peacefully called home on January 14, 2026, at 10:09 a.m., surrounded by the love of her husband, children, and grandchildren at her daughter Debbie's home in Kearneysville, West Virginia. After a courageous and unwavering journey with dementia, she found eternal rest as God gently whispered, "You have run your race. Well done, My good and faithful servant."

Shirley was born on July 26, 1939, in Red Star, West Virginia, to the late Pastor Ozzie Morgan and Lizzie Elizabeth Morgan. Raised in a home grounded in faith, love, and resilience, she carried those values with her throughout her life.

She began her education in Brooklyn, New York, and continued in Newark, New Jersey, after her family relocated. While working full-time and raising her children, Shirley attended the Adult Learning Center of New Jersey, earning her graduate education degree at the top of her class. She went on to receive numerous certifications, driven by her deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable. If Shirley started something, she finished it.

As a preacher's daughter, nurtured by parents whose love was steadfast and boundless, her spiritual foundation was firmly rooted from childhood. Daddy's little girl and her mother's cherished treasure, Shirley poured that same unconditional love into everyone blessed to know her.

A gifted athlete, Shirley played organized softball for many years and was known as the star pitcher on her teams. She enjoyed bowling well into her senior years and loved tennis and jumping double Dutch. Her passion for sports was only surpassed by her love for people.

Above all, Shirley's greatest joy was her family. She treasured every opportunity to hug, gather, and simply be present. She was always just a phone call away. To nearly everyone she met, she was more than a friend—she was family.

Shirley began her professional career at Prudential Insurance in Newark before joining the United States Postal Service. While raising her children, she also volunteered at their school, where she joyfully supported students and staff. After 15 years with USPS in North Jersey, she relocated to Richmond, Virginia, continuing her postal career for another 9½ years before retiring.Retirement, however, did not end her call to serve. After moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia, Shirley began working at the Rappahannock Center, serving individuals with developmental disabilities—work that became her heart's greatest passion. For 14 years, she embraced and uplifted humanity in its most vulnerable form, serving faithfully until her body required rest.

Shirley married the love of her life, William A. "Bill" Shields, on September 8, 1994, and they shared nearly 32 beautiful years of marriage. From their union came their extraordinary son, Michael Shawn McDowell. She was previously married to the late James McDowell Sr., and from that union were born Debra, Juanita, Donna, James, and Stephen. Shirley was a devoted wife and a nurturing, steadfast mother.

She leaves to cherish her legacy of love: her beloved husband, William A. Shields; daughters Debra A. James (PJ) and Juanita Young (Charles); sons James McDowell Jr. (Rose) and Stephen McDowell; sister Elder Deloris M. High (Rudolph); brothers William Morgan (Cheryl) and Robert "Butch" Morgan (Patricia); stepdaughters Erica Proctor, Sharon Shields, and Lynette Shields; stepsons Reginald Shields, Hakim Scott Young, and Aeryk Shields; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren,  great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She was welcomed into eternal peace by her parents, Ozzie and Lizzie Morgan; her children Michael Shawn McDowell and Donna Lynn McDowell; sisters Lillian Harris (Reginald), Beulah Mae Rice (Earnest), and Ella Morgan; brothers Theodore Morgan, John Morgan, Joseph Morgan, Daniel Morgan, Ozzy "Big June" Morgan, and Rufus Morgan; and grandchildren Derrick Lee Mingo, Daryl McDowell, Anthony Mingo, and Nysjah McDowell.

Mom, we know you are already organizing the most loving heavenly family reunion of all. We will see you when we get there.