Norma Shields

Norma Jane Shields, 86, of Portsmouth, died Friday, July 1, 2011, at the Southern Ohio Medical Center. Born March 11, 1925 in Columbus, she was a daughter of the late Isaiah and Mary Ellen Phillips Wakefield and a member of Central Church of Christ. Norma was a graduate of West High School, was employed in a helmet factory during World War II and then as a telephone operator. She retired as a longtime employee of Marting’s Department Store, having worked in the men’s department and sporting goods. Preceding her in death were her husband, Ralph Shields, a son, Timothy Shields, a son-in-law, Gary Pontious, and sisters Mary Alice Sines and Patricia Stephenson. Surviving are a daughter, Melody Pontious of South Shore, KY, a daughter-in-law, Myra Shields of Portsmouth, a brother, James Wakefield of Dayton, and a sister, Evelyn Sieling of Denver, Col. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Wendee (David) Underwood, Ashlie (Jason) Risner, Jason Shields and Adam Shields, four great-grandchildren, Hailee Underwood, Elijah Shields, Andrew Risner and McKenna Risner, and many nieces and nephews. Special friends remembered are Don Goodwin, Bill and Sandy Brown, Nona and Charles Collins, Roy and Violet O’Doherty, and Kathy Anderson. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Brant Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Reverend John Gowdy officiating. Interment will be in Rushtown Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Brant’s in Portsmouth from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Church of Christ and Sierra’s Haven.

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