It is with profound sadness and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Jannette Helen Waddell Shields, Just five days after her 89th birthday.
Jannette was a native of England and former resident of Lithia Spring, Georgia before moving to Yorktown with late husband Dennis Coleman Shields.
Jannette was born in York England 1936. Northern part of England. Which was during the 2nd World War. Born to James Waddell and Rose Barnaby Waddell. She had 3 siblings. Sylvia Waddell Poole, William James Waddell, and Una Waddell Groves. She was the baby of them.
After finishing school she moved to London Eng to work and help her oldest sister Sylvia with her children. Jan worked in a small shop also. This is where she met her first husband Talmadge Dunaway. He was stationed outside of London on an Air Force Base. This was during the Korean War. After an afternoon of walking and talking Jannette knew this was the man she was going to marry. She was only 17 years of age.
Now Jannette had to begin the talks with parents to sign papers so she could go to American to marry Talmadge Dunaway. After persuading them to sign papers so she could make her way to America. They finally agreed. She sent word she was on her way. Jannette made her way on The Queen Elizabeth ship to America. This took 2 weeks.
She land in New York City NY. Where Talmadge met her. He brought her to met his family and was married. He was still in the service. He was station in Jackson,Wyoming where they lived for awhile. After serving they settled down in Lithia Springs Georgia. Where they started their family. Wendy and Melanie were born to them.
In 1971 Talmadge passed away. This left Jannette to raise the girls. With her faith in God. the help of a wonderful Family and a Great Church family. First Baptist Church Lithia Springs was such a big help. Now Jannette’s story isn’t over with. After raising the girls. Jannette met Dennis Shields in 1980. Dennis was in Atlanta working in training for a major restaurant chain. They met and fell in love. Stayed in Lithia Springs Ga. until 1996 which both retired. They moved to Dennis’ hometown of Yorktown. Va and resided til now.
She retired from Suntrust Bank after 35 years. Starting as a teller and making her way up the ranks to loan officer. She had a love for shopping. She enjoyed sewing, Crochet, and knitting. She enjoyed the Joy Club with Bethel Baptist Church. Her kindness, intelligence, and grace left an indelible mark on all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire family, friends.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Talmadge Dunaway and her second husband Dennis and is survived by her daughters Wendy Mathews of Yorktown, Va, Melanie Robinson of Dallas, Ga. and Denise Parroco. (Jim) 8 grandchildren, Matt Mathews{Amanda) Benjamin Mathews, William Paul Harris Jr., Joshua Caleb Moody, Charles Robinson, Cassie Winn(Stephen), Tess Anne Fike (Nick), Jonathan Parroco. 9 great grandchildren.
We celebrate the remarkable life of Jannette H. Shields, honoring the warmth, wisdom, and compassion she generously shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.
