Wanda Lou Shields

Wanda Lou Shields, Ed.D, died February 8, 2025, maintaining to the end her deep love for her God, her family, and friends. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Rex and Chrystle Shields. Her extended family, the Bales, Williams, and Stewards were her major encouragers and sources of unconditional love.

Lou loved her long-time friend and soul-sister, Angel Courtney Bales, Angel’s daughter and son Andrea Bales Steward (Bryan) and James Anthony Bales (Jennifer). The absolute lights and stars of her heart whom she loved beyond measure were her Godchildren: Caitlin Paige (Williams) Alvarado, Makenna Brynn Williams, Zachary James Williams, Brandon David Williams, and Violet Naomi Bales. Additional special friends whom she considered family and loved dearly, surviving Lou are: James David Williams, Zachary Alvarado, Elaine Alston, Larry and Fernelle Fjerwold, Michael, Melissa, and Lexi Martin, and Don and Susan Tallman.

Subsequent to the deaths of her beloved parents, it was Lou’s faith and that of the Bales, Williams, and Steward families which supported and lifted her. She would like to have been thought of and remembered as a woman of God, with unquestionable character, courage, strength, and as having a giving heart. She had a quick wit and loved to laugh.

Born September 13, 1940, in Fort Worth, Texas, Lou was raised by her parents in Austin, Texas. She attended Stephen F Austin High School and the University of Texas. In 1962, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Women’s University. Lou received her Master of Arts degree in 1968, and in 1978 earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Houston. In 1994, she received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the UH College of Education.

As a youngster, Lou was a member of the Austin Aquatic Club, coached by Bill Crenshaw, Marc Yancy, and Wally Pryor. She spent many years being shaped in character, sportsmanship, and the meaning of teamwork by these fine men who invested in the lives of young people. She credits them for some of the most joyful times of her youth as she traveled widely to compete. She was name Texas’ Best Woman Swimmer when she was 15 years old and participated in the Olympic Trials in that same year.

For many years, Lou taught at the high school level in the Houston Independent School District, assisted in writing curriculum, and served as Personnel Coordinator for the then Area 3 group. In 1981, Lou became the Associate Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Houston Baptist University. While there Lou served as Associate Vice President for Strategic Planning, President of the Faculty Assembly, and on many university committees. At HBU, Lou received many honors, including Faculty Woman of the Year, the first Mayfield Staff Award, a tile on the Walk of Honor, and was greatly humbled to receive the honor and rank of Faculty Emeritus upon her retirement in 1997, as Vice President for Student Affairs. She was affectionately known by the students as “Dr. Lou” or “Mama Lou” and took seriously her calling as an educator.

After retirement, while maintaining her home in Houston, Lou bought the Legacy sSs Ranch outside of Brenham. She fully enjoyed being in the country and raising registered Texas Longhorn cattle. Entertaining friends and family at the ranch was one of her greatest pleasures, and Lou spent many memorable days with her father there after the death of her mother. She named each trail at the ranch after one of her family and extended family. She was a long-time member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders of America Association and served as President of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Gulf Coast Association.

Service to others was instrumental to Lou’s life. She served on the boards of the Maplewood West Civic Association, the Houston Learning Academy, Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston, and was humbled by mission trips to England, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. Lou volunteered at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for many years and was a member of the Volunteer Board. In November of 2003, she was named Volunteer of the Month and in 2005 was named Volunteer of the Year.

For many years, Lou was an active member of Houston’s First Baptist Church and served as President of the Adult Choir. In 1997, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Houston. She loved the church and all it stood for and served in many capacities to the fullest of her ability. In 2004, she was elected to the office of Elder. She chaired the Committee for Reconciliation and Fellowship and served on the Worship Committee, the Caring Ministry team, the Planned Giving Committee, and the Officer Nominating Committee.

The pallbearers are Zachary Alvarado, Anthony Bales, Dr. Tommy Bambrick, Michael Martin, Bryan Steward, Brandon Williams, James Williams, and Zachary Williams. Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Fjerwold (Edmonton, Alberta Canada), Dr. Gerald Ray, Ragan Courtney, and Don Tallman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital (direct contributions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), 6411 Fannin, Houston, TX, 77030, or to First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, Houston, TX 77004.