Mary Lou Wright Shields

Mary Lou Wright Shields, age 82, of Cabot, formerly of Glenwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023, with her family by her side.

She was born on April 22, 1941, in Bonnerdale, the daughter of Obert Joseph Wright and Eula Pennington Wright.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her three sisters, Billie Egleston, Bennie Weatherford, and Carmel Miles; one brother, Richard Wright; and her daughter-in-law, Paula Shields.  On June 3, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Doyle Wayne Shields.

Mary was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her children, before pursuing and completing her teaching degree.  She then dedicated twenty-five years of her life to nurturing and educating the young minds of many students of the Glenwood Elementary School District.  As a teacher, Mary was known for her compassion and dedication to each student she encountered.  Her impact extended beyond the classroom, as she touched countless lives with her kindness and care, who still today remember and cherish her in their hearts.

She enjoyed sewing and after her retirement, she took up quilting and proudly made quilts for her children and grandchildren, which will be cherished forever because they hold the essence of their precious mother and grandmother's love and craftsmanship.  Mary and Doyle's marriage was filled with beautiful and loving memories and adventures. She always cherished their annual family trips to the beach, where her children and grandchildren would all come together to create lasting memories.  These trips were a testament to Mary's commitment to creating strong family bonds that would endure a lifetime.

Mary was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a silent servant, always working behind the scenes and never needing to seek recognition for any of her many helpful deeds.  She possessed a special gift for making everyone feel loved and accepted.  Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose genuine warmth and compassion made her a beautiful light in the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her.  Mary will forever be remembered for her love and devotion to her Lord and family, her dedication to teaching, and her incredible ability to make others feel important and loved.  

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Doyle Shields of Cabot; her children, Eddie Shields of Little Rock and Angie Killingsworth and her husband, Paul, of Cabot; four grandchildren and their spouses, Clay and Cami Killingsworth, Taylor and Ashley Shields, Carter and Katelyn Shields, and Ashley Killingsworth; her great-grandson, Ford Killingsworth; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Vaughn and her husband, Harold, of Glenwood and Sylvia Wright of Benton; one brother-in-law, Gene Shields and his wife, Gail, of El Dorado; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, November 3, 2023, in the Glenwood Church of Christ with John Hall and Harold Vaughn officiating.

Visitation will be held 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Friday, in the Glenwood Church of Christ, prior to the services.

Interment will be in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Clay Killingsworth, Cami Killingsworth, Taylor Shields, Ashley Shields, Carter Shields, Katelyn Shields and Ashley Killingsworth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mary to the Glenwood Church of Christ, P.O. Box 405, Glenwood, AR 71943.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, AR 71943.

Guest registry may be found at www.smithfamlycares.com.