Freddie Shields

Our hearts are heavy at the passing of Freddie Mae Shields; dearly loved mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend to many. Freddie was born July 23,1929 in Hartshorne, Oklahoma to Jesse B. Galbraith and Earl Fredrick Nance. Freddie was preceded in death by her husband, George E. Walton, second husband, Ernest R. Shields, son, Darrell E. Walton and other caring relatives and friends. She is survived by her youngest son, Jerry and Jan Walton of Lincoln, Nebraska, their three children and sixteen grandchildren: Nicole and Mark Lickliter (Sebastian and Adeline, Silas and Chenoa, Abraham, Apollos, Boaz, Phoebe, Meshach, Hudson and Theo) of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Dayne and Angie Walton (Joslyn, Dreyton and Maddox) and stepchildren (Eva, Ella, Leilanni and Kai) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Marcus and Paige Walton of Omaha, Nebraska.

Freddie attended Pittsburg County Public Schools in Adamson, Oklahoma. She received an award of honor for her achievement in geography, and later graduated from high school in 1947. Freddie’s first job was working a night shift at the same restaurant in Hammond, Indiana as her cousin, Bessie Galbraith. Later, while still living with Bessie, she became an elevator operator at Goldblatt’s Department Store. While Freddie was on vacation back in Oklahoma, she met George Walton, and later married him on October 10, 1950. They moved to Omaha where they worked and had two sons, Darrell, and Jerry. George died on June 1,1966 and is buried in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Freddie worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers as Mailroom Supervisor for many years. She traveled extensively to Washington D.C., Chicago, and other cities for her work and additional training. She retired on January 14, 1994.

On August 6, 1968, she remarried Ernest Shields. Together they were integral in building the new Union Memorial United Methodist Church in Omaha. Mom was an outstanding cook making chili, turkey and dressing, hams, greens, mac and cheese and lemon cakes for church dinners and her family. She taught us all what “southern cooking” is all about! On December 29, 2008, Ernest (fondly known as “Pop”) passed away. Shortly after, due to health concerns mom moved to an assisted living facility.

Freddie is a long-time member of Union Memorial United Methodist Church. She has always been a faithful servant of the Lord with her selfless and thoughtful ways.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 27, 9-10 am with Funeral Service at 10 am and Interment to follow. All services at Westlawn-Hillcrest.