Cover photo for Elizabeth Shields's Obituary
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1920 Elizabeth 2019

Elizabeth Shields

April 5, 1920 — July 27, 2019

Orlando

Elizabeth Catherine Shields (nee Eckert), 99, passed away July 27, 2019 with family and friends by her side.  A long-time resident of Orlando, Elizabeth lived a life that was rich with love, guided by faith, and filled with laughter and adventure.

Elizabeth was born in Akron, Ohio on April 5, 1920 to Elizabeth Neidert Eckert and Frank Eckert.  She married her husband of 68 years, Zollie Harrison Shields, on May 2, 1943 and began 20 years as an Army wife living in post-World War II Germany (she was one of the first American wives in the country after the end of war); Japan; France; and Spain.  She also lived in Jacksonville, FL; Alexandria and Richmond, VA; San Antonio, TX; and Kansas City and St. Louis, MO before she and her husband retired to Orlando.  Her retirement included countless hours serving her church, the First United Church of Orlando; volunteering as a Pink Lady at Lucerne Hospital; and a brief career as Manager of the Fine China department for Ivey’s in downtown Orlando. Elizabeth was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Zollie; sister and best friend, Margaret Iffland; and brother-in-law, Henry Iffland.  She is survived by her son Roger, Scituate, MA and Orlando; and daughter Cathy and granddog Jilly, Orlando.  She is also survived by nieces Carol Brennan, MN; Marge Iffland, NY; Barbara Edis, SC; Jodean Foster, VA; and Susan Nicely, OH; and nephews Wayne Foster, TN, and Greg Shields, somewhere out west.  Elizabeth’s loving family also included her “adopted” children: Mickie Smith, Tampa; Trisha Warne, Orlando; Sherri Walls, Apopka; Sandra Steele, St. Augustine; Donna Hill, Charleston; Phyllis Mays, Salem, SC; and Gail Talbott, Cocoa Beach; and Gary Hayes, Drew Matanin, and Lynnie Weatherford who preceded her in death.

Elizabeth’s home and heart were open to all.  There was always room for another place at the dinner table and another pallet on the living room floor.  She found great joy in her life, much happiness in the people she loved, and real strength in her faith in God.

Elizabeth’s service will be August 5 at 11:00 am at the First United Church, 4605 Curry Ford Road, Orlando 32812.  In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth asked that donations be made to The Russell Home for Atypical Children (www.russellhome.org), or an organization of your choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth Shields, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Monday, August 5, 2019

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

First United Church of Christ

4605 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32812

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