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Thelma Evans Shields was born on January 26, 1938, in Des Arc, Arkansas to the union of Nathaniel "Nathan" Humbert Sr. and Martha Lucille Stubblefield Humbert. Thelma attended school in Des Arc, Arkansas, Desha County School District, and Loop College in Chicago, Illinois.
Thelma had an extensive work history in Chicago, which culminated with her being promoted to Environmental Services Supervisor at Rush Presbyterian Hospital. After moving to Monticello, Arkansas from Chicago, she worked for Southeast Co-op as a Foster Grandparent. She also provided in-home care to many residents of Monticello.
Thelma confessed hope in Christ at an early age. She attended different churches in Arkansas. While in Chicago, she became a member of New True Vine M.B. Church where her late husband, Flozell Shields Sr. was pastor. Upon returning to Arkansas, Thelma became a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church then pastored by Reverand Leroy Hood Sr. She later joined First Baptist Eastside Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of James E. Simpson.
Thelma was known for her gentle spirit, kindness, remarkable knowledge of family history and was the heart of every family gathering. She loved fishing; Oh, how she loved fishing and had a fond love for cooking, especially cooking and sharing crab legs with her great niece Mallory. She also had a love of music. Her wisdom will echo through generations.
In addition to two husbands, Nelson Charles "NC" Evans Sr. and Flozell Shields Sr.; Thelma is preceded in death by five sons; Gregory Evans, Nelson Charles Evans, Jr., Anthony Young, Terry Don Evans, and Flozell Shields, Jr.; one daughter, Lora A. Shields; her parents; eight brothers, Marcus Hood, Willie Elbert, Henry Lee "HL", Nathaniel Jr., Ralph, Marvin, Melvin and Calvin Humbert; four sisters, Louise, Betty Jane, and Marva Joe Humbert, and Catherine Williams; and seven other siblings who died at childbirth.
Thelma leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Reginald Anderson and Michael Shields (Susan) both of Chicago, Illinois; two daughters, Gloristeen Clark of California and Amanda Shields of Chicago, Illinois; twenty-one grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; two sisters, Georgia Ann Steen and Martha Jane Wash both of Monticello, Arkansas; one brother, Donnel Humbert Sr. (Irma) of Jacksonville, North Carolina; a special friend, Tommy Daniels; one Goddaughter, Trina Rogers; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. There will be a wake from 4:00 - 6:00 Friday, August 8, 2025, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. You can sign Mrs. Thelma's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Thelma had an extensive work history in Chicago, which culminated with her being promoted to Environmental Services Supervisor at Rush Presbyterian Hospital. After moving to Monticello, Arkansas from Chicago, she worked for Southeast Co-op as a Foster Grandparent. She also provided in-home care to many residents of Monticello.
Thelma confessed hope in Christ at an early age. She attended different churches in Arkansas. While in Chicago, she became a member of New True Vine M.B. Church where her late husband, Flozell Shields Sr. was pastor. Upon returning to Arkansas, Thelma became a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church then pastored by Reverand Leroy Hood Sr. She later joined First Baptist Eastside Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of James E. Simpson.
Thelma was known for her gentle spirit, kindness, remarkable knowledge of family history and was the heart of every family gathering. She loved fishing; Oh, how she loved fishing and had a fond love for cooking, especially cooking and sharing crab legs with her great niece Mallory. She also had a love of music. Her wisdom will echo through generations.
In addition to two husbands, Nelson Charles "NC" Evans Sr. and Flozell Shields Sr.; Thelma is preceded in death by five sons; Gregory Evans, Nelson Charles Evans, Jr., Anthony Young, Terry Don Evans, and Flozell Shields, Jr.; one daughter, Lora A. Shields; her parents; eight brothers, Marcus Hood, Willie Elbert, Henry Lee "HL", Nathaniel Jr., Ralph, Marvin, Melvin and Calvin Humbert; four sisters, Louise, Betty Jane, and Marva Joe Humbert, and Catherine Williams; and seven other siblings who died at childbirth.
Thelma leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Reginald Anderson and Michael Shields (Susan) both of Chicago, Illinois; two daughters, Gloristeen Clark of California and Amanda Shields of Chicago, Illinois; twenty-one grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; two sisters, Georgia Ann Steen and Martha Jane Wash both of Monticello, Arkansas; one brother, Donnel Humbert Sr. (Irma) of Jacksonville, North Carolina; a special friend, Tommy Daniels; one Goddaughter, Trina Rogers; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. There will be a wake from 4:00 - 6:00 Friday, August 8, 2025, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. You can sign Mrs. Thelma's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.