Mary Jo Shields

Mary Jo Shields, 95, passed away on Monday July 1, 2019. 

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2019, at First Christian Church in Marlin with Rev. William Wright officiating. A visitation was held prior to the service. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin, Texas.

Mary Jo was born on June 8, 1924, in Freeport, Texas, to William Joseph Evans and Myrtle Effie Vann Evans. She was a graduate of Marlin High School. 

In her young adult years she served her country as a riveter of B17’s in WWII, proudly displaying the “Rosie the Riveter” poster to commemorate her efforts to the war. During her married years she was employed as an office assistant/clerk for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. BW and Mary Jo moved frequently with the railroad, first retiring to the Rio Grande Valley and later returning to Marlin, Texas. Mary Jo is a strong Christian, baptized and serving at the First Christian Church in Marlin. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. But her greatest accomplishment is her family. Mary Jo Evans married Barton Warren Shields Jr. on April 17, 1949. They were married 55 years until his death in 2004.

Mary Jo Shields is survived by: her brother, Charles Ray Evans and wife June; her son Martin L. Shields and wife Arlyn; her special daughter, Jerry Shields Kindred and husband Gene and their son Britt. Her grandchildren are Travis Christian Shields and wife Stacy Ellane and Tara Shields Bryant and husband Cody with one great-grandchild on the way. Her nephews include Tommy Joe Davis, Randall E. Evans and Billy Joe Martin. Her nieces are Mary Jane Davis, Rene Shields Napper and Rana Shields Leggett.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Joseph and Myrtle Effie Evans; her husband, Barton Warren Shields Jr.; her sister, Valera Evans Labit; and her brother, Edward B. Evans.