BERLIE SHIELDS
Early Thursday morning, September 22, 2022, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom called our beloved mother, Berlie Shields home.
Berlie, the first of ten children born to the late Purnell and Rebecca Smith, and was born on November 2, 1931, in Wachapreague, VA. She was educated in the Accomack County Public Schools and attended the Community College in Melfa, VA. She also attended Virginia University Evans-Smith Theology classes at Bethel Baptist Church in Franktown, VA.
Berlie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and was a member of Grace Independent Methodist Church where she worked diligently for many years singing in the choir. She received numerous certificates and awards for her work and received her license as an ordained minister in 1993 from World Christianship Ministries. She attributed her religious training to her parents, elementary school teacher, Hallie Burton, former pastors of Grace Ministries Shockley, Winder Holland, Freeman, Johnson, Robinson, and the United Methodist organization.
She was married to the late Lemuel Shields, Sr. This union produced two children, a daughter and son.
Berlie worked for M. J. Duer for many years and then in the school system cafeteria as a cook. She was an Avon representative from 1967-2022 and received several awards as a group sales leader.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and always tried to help others in need.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Janice Rouse of Waldorf, MD; son, Lemuel Shields, Jr. of Fort Washington, MD; adopted son, Michael Nock; two grandchildren, Shawn Rouse (Sharron) and Latonya Brinson; five great grandchildren, Joshua Donaldson, Kyla Rouse, Cameron Kidd, Marlie Donaldson, and Kaidyn Simpson; one sister, Sara Smith; three brothers, George Smith, Sr., Wallace Smith (Bessie), and Calvin Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and life long friends.
