Betty Jean Stykes-Shields

On the blessed day of November 11, 1941 a baby girl was born to the proud parents of Lytton B. Cleveland and Mary L. Owens in Haughton, Louisiana. They lovingly named her Betty Jean Cleveland. Betty received her formal education in the Houston Independent School District, and was a proud graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School (Class of 59’). Pursuing her college degree wasn’t an easy task, but by the grace of God she graduated with honors from Texas Southern University. Betty received her BFA degree in 1971, and her M.Ed. in 1982. While at TSU, she was excited to become a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society.  As an educator, Betty wanted everyone to have a love for education just as much as she did.  She taught at George Washington, Cullen Middle School, and Hartman Middle School. Betty served as department chair and lead mentor teacher for first and second year teachers throughout her career. Betty retired from HISD after 34 years and continued to work as a substitute. Betty was married to Sam Henderson, and from that union they had 2 beautiful children, Pamela and Samuel Henderson. Later, Betty met and married Floyd Stykes, and from that union, another beautiful queen was born, Floretta Stykes.  Betty was a true cowgirl and loved line dancing.  While on a trail ride, she spotted a man on a horse wearing a big black hat. Betty told family and friends, “I’m going to marry that man”, and she did.  Onnie Shields and Betty were united in marriage on November 26, 1994. He won her over by serenading her on that special day. Betty was also an avid bowler, she was a part of WIBC, USBC- Nationals, HWBA, and TCBA where she served many years as Sergeant at Arms. She was also the YABA coach for numerous years, and Secretary of the Ladies Gulf Traveling League.  She attended meetings as a Delegate for the Greater Houston Bowling Senate as well. While bowling, she made a lot of lifelong friends and traveled to many places.  Sis. Shields loved her church family at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church.  While attending church, she was always an active member. Betty served as a member of the Golden Girls mission circle, deaconess, Sunday school teacher, and held other leadership positions throughout the church.  She enjoyed traveling with them, especially during the Congress. Betty was preceded in death by her (mom) Mary Fowler, (dad) Lytton B. Cleveland, Bishop Fowler (dad that stepped in),  (daughter) Pamela Henderson, (three brothers), Robert Dean Fowler, Bishop Fowler Jr., and Lytton B. Cleveland Jr., (nephew) Dion Fowler,  (mother in law) Mrs. Jeannetta Hammond, (uncle) OD James of Texarkana, LA. (uncle) Clavin Williams of Texarkana, LA. She is survived by her: (husband) Onnie Shields, (sons) Samuel W. Henderson (Angela) and Jon C. Shields (Kimberly), (daughter) Floretta Joseph (Jerome), Shari Shields, Lori Shields, Sandra Lee (Freddie) and Jo Annette Shields, (sisters) Bernice Cleveland, Patricia Manning, Mary Fowler-Moore, Gwendolyn Fowler, Charlotte Fowler-White (Greg), Christine Law, Hattie (Theartrice) James of Haughton, LA, (brothers) Conway Fowler (Sharon), Joe Fowler, David Fowler, Philip Fowler, Alvin (Shirley) Cleveland of Lake Charles, LA, Sidney (Denise) Cleveland of Haughton, LA, and Andrew (Charlotte) Cleveland of Shreveport, LA, (uncle) Obadiah James of Rodessa, LA, (aunt) Harise Williams of Texarkana, a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.