- Date Of Death: December 4, 2007
- State: Indiana
Sara Elizabeth Reed Shields passed away on December 4, 2007, at the age of 88, after an extended illness. Her loving husband, John Bartram Shields, of 48 years preceded her in death. She is survived by her sisters, Dorothy Washburn and Jeannette Nightengale; her brother, Donald; all six of her children, Dave & wife Liz, Paul & wife Shelley, Beth, Mark & wife Mami, Steve & wife Barb and Phil; 9 grandchildren, Saramoira, Hannah, Nathan, Shune, Jimmy, David, Katie, Sherry and Christina.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence P. Reed, Nettie Hughes Reed; sisters, Gladyce and Edna; and brothers, Harold, Charles and Jack. She graduated from Cleveland Bible College in 1944 with a bachelor of theology. She loved to read, play chess, cook and play the piano.
In particular, she loved her husband and children with selfless devotion, and untiring persistence and grace. She was a member of Long Lake Friends Church in Traverse City, Michigan for 38 years. She taught school from kindergarten to college level Greek. She worked at times as a professional cook, and for over 10 years hosted Christian retreats in their northern home Sugartree Hill in Leelenau County, Michigan.
Her family lovingly remembers a mother who was always gracious and tender, meekly fierce, and fiercely meek. Her competitive spirit made her a dangerous foe when playing chess, or Scrabble, and losing was only an impetus to try harder. In 1978, she was the Michigan Women?s Open Chess Champion. But she was always careful of others feelings, and did not boast of her accomplishments.
She loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and in faith, has gone to be reunited with those who have gone ahead to their reward, and to stand justified in the Presence of the Savior, through her faith.
She lived a life of love, and in her extended illness, exemplified that character of love in her every word and action.
