Barbara Walters Shields, PhD was a native of Paterson, New Jersey, and longtime resident of Florida passed away on January 8, 2020. She is predeceased by her parents, Robert Veal and Jean Veal Jamerson; her siblings, Frederick and Robert Veal; and her only child Anthony Walters.
Barbara was the Training and Development Manger for the City of Tampa Fl, and was responsible for many employees furthering their education. She retired in 2008 after 33 years of dedicated service. She then worked seven more years as a substitute teacher.
She graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, and Kennedy-Western University with a doctorate in Human Resources Management.
Barbara was a certified teacher, licensed real estate agent, notary public, certified smoking cessation instructor for the American Lung Association, Certified Law of Attraction Practitioner, and an author of a published motivational book entitled, Get More Living out of Life, which was very well received. She was also a respected motivational speaker who addressed hundreds of people in professional, social, and educational organizations as well as churches.
She enjoyed reading, entertaining, and preparing meals for family and friends. Barbara and Frank had a zest for travel and visited such places as Europe, the Caribbean many times; Hawaii, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, and many more.
Their four cats Grey, J.R, Jimmy and Bobbi where the joy of her life and were just like her children.
Barbara will be remembered among her friends and family for her loving nature and kindness toward others, and her signature gift of joy which was displayed through her constant smiles and laughter. Barbara had the ability to be happy and feel the enjoyment of life; and at the end of the day lived a blessed life.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband Frank of 32 years, grandchildren, Michael, Mario, Matthew, Rajean and Savonne Walters; great grandchildren, Mario Jr, Jamar, Nalaya, and Aspen Walters; step children, Lana and Frank Shields lll; step grandchildren, jade, Tatiana, an Jarid; step great grandson Levi; special cousin Theresa Mims, and many relatives and friends.
Funeral services, (closed casket) will be held on January 17, 2020 11:00 a.m. with the receiving friends at 10:00 a.m., at Garden of Memories, 4207 Lake Ave, Tampa, Fl 33610.
Entombment will follow immediately at the Inside Chapel of Lights, at Garden of Memories.
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