Gone but not forgotten: Mother Shields, local Vicksburg community activist and leader, has passed

VICKSBURG, MS. – Mother Rosa Lee Myles Shields of Vicksburg, MS passed away surrounded by her beloved children and family on September 5, 2024. Visitation will be held this Friday, September 13, at the Lakeview Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 14, at Traveler’s Rest Baptist church at 11 a.m.

Mother Shields was born in Woodville. MS on October 7, 1924, to the union of Rev. Daniel Myles, Sr and Josephine Webster Myles and moved to Vicksburg, MS in 1941.  It was here in Vicksburg where she would begin her life’s mission as a Community Activist and Leader. She joined Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church and dedicated her life to Christ in 1942 and was a member for over 82 years, serving in many capacities in the church: Mission Ministry, Sunday School, Senior Choir and was the oldest Mother and the oldest member of the church. 

Mother Shields raised her 10 children to be independent, strong loving and to give back to their community. She always emphasized to “Put God first in whatever you do!” She quoted scriptures daily and lived a Christ like life in front of her children. In addition to raising her own children she was known as the neighborhood Mom and always stood up for those who were being treated unfairly. 

Although Mother Shields only had an 8^th grade education, she was an avid scholar, loved to read, was a mathematician and she loved trivia, puzzles, spelling, and always encouraged her family to get their education and never stop learning.

Nurturing and serving the youth and the community

Mother Shields dedicated her life to feeding, nurturing and serving the youth.  She worked in many capacities at both McIntyre School and St. Francis Catholic School. She finished her career as Head Cook at Mississippi Action for Progress, retiring after 22 years. During her tenure, she frequently recognized children who were in need of more than the food served during the school day and often sent food home with them to ensure they had a meal at night. She continuously inspired, empowered and encouraged all of her co-workers to live their best lives and strive for greatness in their personal and professional lives. 

Mother Shields was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and Home Extension Club.She was an active member of the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club for over 45 years, where she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022 and continued to support every event, fundraiser and attended the meetings. She was known to prepare a meal or two for events and committee meetings. All of her dishes were made with patience and love. She was also a former member of Warren County NAACP, receiving the 2023 NAACP Community Service Award. 

Mother Shields was a “Drum Major for Justice” and has always been active in the community.  She had a passion for people. She has served in many capacities: Election Judge, Poll Worker and Campaigner for any Politician she believed would truly work for the betterment of Vicksburg, MS and State of Mississippi.  She attended many protests and stood up for her community.  She met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., marched with him and had the honor of attending his funeral in Atlanta.

Mother’s Day 1965

On Mother’s Day in 1965, Mother Shields was arrested and jailed for protesting over voting rights. The following is from a 2013 interview Mother Shields gave to the Lake County Sun-Times Media in Chicago.

“I left home that Saturday morning, and I’ll never forget,” said Mother Shields, “I had a little Bible. I put my bible in my bosom, I put my medicine in my bosom, because I felt that I was going to jail.”

“We were walking, singing ‘We shall overcome. The president of the NAACP had told us not to raise our signs. A policeman came up the street, and he saw us, and he stopped that car at once and just went to grabbing’ those signs and told us we were going to jail,” recalled Mother Shields.

“They treated us like dogs,” she said.

“The guards kept yelling at us to shut up. ‘Hush that noise,’” But we kept singing and praying. The next morning, they brought us food on old tin plates and tin cups and slid it across the floor. We just slid it right back,” said Mother Shields.

Approximately 20 were arrested and put in jail that day. Like Paul and his disciples, they sang and prayed, with NAACP volunteers bringing fresh food. When Mother Shields was released on bond, she went to church and took in enough from the collection plate to get the others released.

Mother Shields wisdom

She leaves a lasting impression on all who experience her gentle spirit. She was full of wisdom, love and a wealth of knowledge. Two of her favorite mantras and life’s mission are: