Jo Ellen O'Shields
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Jo Ellen Rouda O'Shields, 88, wife of Rev. Dr. Alvin B. O'Shields, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 12, 2021.
Born in Greenville, SC on September 4,1932, she was the daughter of the late Remus H. and Edna Bridges Rouda.
Jo Ellen graduated from Welcome High School and went on to earn her Associates Degree in Secretarial Science from North Greenville University. She was very active on campus as she sang in the College Choir as well as the Ladies Ensemble, and served as a BSU officer.
Once married, Jo Ellen served in many areas of ministry with her pastor husband. She taught Sunday School, worked with youth, and was involved in the music ministry. She also was a substitute teacher in several schools in the North Carolina School System. After the couple moved to Columbia, SC, Jo Ellen went to work as Administrative Secretary at the South Carolina Baptist Convention and was there 11 1/2 years. She was a conference leader at White Oak Conference Center and in various churches.
Following Alvin's acceptance of the position as Director of Missions in Spartanburg, she began working at Fernwood Baptist Church as Administrative Secretary where she retired after 15 years.
Most recently, she was a member of Roebuck Baptist Church and the Dorcas Sunday School Class where she also served as assistant teacher.
In addition to her husband of 67 years, she is survived by her two wonderful children, Dale A. O'Shields (Terry) of Gaithersburg, MD, and Debbie O. Goodson (Keith) of Greenville, SC; three grandchildren, Christi Rivera (Steve) of Gaithersburg, MD, Jessica McAuliff (Justin) of Clarksburg, MD, and Joshua Goodson of Godwin, NC; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marian Garrett and Georgia Kerns.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16th at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast. The family will greet guests as they exit the Chapel. Masks are required in all Thomas McAfee Funeral Home locations and attendees are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing. Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the video link located on Mrs. O'Shields' obituary page at www.thomasmcafee.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Greenville University Scholarship Fund, 7801 N. Tigerville Rd., Tigerville, SC 29688; or to Roebuck Baptist Church Mission Fund, 1979 E. Blackstock Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376.