Rosie B. Webb-Shields was born in Macon, MS to Mattie Beamon-Webb and Lorenzo Webb on January 24. She was the seventh child of 12. Both parents and eight siblings: Willie Joe Webb, Parthenia Liddell, Bernice Ivy, Mary Alice Murray, Maybell Stewart, Luvenia (Tut) Ellis, Lois Webb, Lerrine Webb all preceded her in death.
Rosie confessed her love for Christ at the early age of 13 and was baptized at St. Michael AME Church in Macon, MS. Rosie was educated in the Noxubee County Mississippi School District.
Rosie was united in holy matrimony to Ernest G. Shields Sr. for more than 45 years. Blessed to this marriage were four wonderful children: Bobby Shields, Evelyn Shields-Benford, Carolyn Shields-Jackson and Ernest, Shields, Jr., all of St. Louis. Her youngest daughter Carolyn Shields-Jackson preceded her mother in death.
Rosie was one of the 15 founding members of the Mt. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Beginning in 1972, she served faithfully as first lady and devout member under the leadership of her husband Dr. E.G. Shields Sr. for more than 36 years.
Rosie received an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from the St. Louis Community College-Meramac. She attended Webster University, University of Missouri–St. Louis and Leal Bible College in St. Louis, where she obtained a degree in Biblical Studies. She also received her teaching certification from the Progressive National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and worked 24 years for the Mt. Beulah Christian Academy as a Dietician.
Rosie was a devoted Christian, an adoring wife, mother, loving grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed. On Sunday, January 25, 2009, the Lord said “Well done” and she transitioned from labor to rest.
Rosie leaves to cherish her memories: a loving Husband, Dr. E.G. Shields Sr.; three Children, Bobby Shields, E. G. Shields Jr. (Mia), Evelyn Shields-Benford (Marvin) all of St. Louis; three siblings, Mary Harding (St. Louis), Louise Little (Curtis) (Shuqualak, MS), Ernest Spann (Wilma) (St. Louis); Mother-in-law, Mary Shields (Indianola, MS); three brothers-in-law, George Shields (Chicago, IL), James Shields and Jerry Shields (Joyce) (St. Louis); two sisters-in-law, Willie May Scribner and Elsie Elston (Richard) (Dixmoor, IL); 12 grandchildren, D’Andre, Kevin, Bobbi, Tyresha, Chelcey, Angel, Christian, Candace, Calah, Bobby Jr., Tyler and Ernest III; Four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special thanks to her two Amour Bearers, one adult Sis. Catherine Smith and one youth, Mya Straw.