Virginia "Jinny" Knowles Shields

Virginia Knowles Shields, age 101, went home to be with her Lord Jesus on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. Born on January 7, 1916, in Petaluma, CA, she moved to Fresno, CA, in 1919, with her parents, Newton A. and Hazel Johnson.

After graduating from Fresno High School, Jinny attended and graduated from Fresno State College. While at Fresno State she was chosen as Campus Queen and as Senior Class Speaker at Commencement.

In 1942, Jinny married Harvey C. Knowles II. They were blessed with two children. Harvey passed away in 1953. Upon her husband's death, Jinny took on the role of single parent and went to work as a receptionist for Dr. David Bristow, M.D. from 1956 until 1969. In 1970, she was employed by Fresno County as a Clerk Typist, retiring in 1981.

In 1986, Jinny married Ashton H. Shields, a retired general construction executive. They were happily married for two and a half years before he passed away due to ill health.

During her long life, Jinny was active in community groups such as Junior League and PEO. She faithfully attended the First Presbyterian Church of Fresno, and served in many capacities, including Sunday school teacher and Deacon.

She was preceded in death by both her husbands; and her step-son, James Shields.

Jinny is survived by her children, Robert N. Knowles of Newberg, OR, and Kay Stringfield of Fresno; step-son, Harvey C. Knowles III of Union City, CA; and step-daughters, Mary Hunt of Ashland, OR, and Marji Evans of San Jose, CA. Jinny was also blessed with seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

The family gives a heartfelt thanks to the staff at San Joaquin Gardens, who provided care for Jinny; as well as the nurses and others from Hinds Hospice, who looked after her so wonderfully over the past four months.

Jinny will be buried at Belmont Memorial Park in a private family service. Her Memorial Service will be held at the Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m.

Remembrances may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M Street, Fresno CA 93721; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.