Carolyn Yvonne Wilson-Shields

Evangelist Carolyn Yvonne Wilson-Shields, affectionately known as “Granny Shields” and “Gran-Gran,” peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the age of 85.

Carolyn was born on September 21, 1939, in Tampa, Florida, to Frank and Letha Wilson. She graduated from school in Hillsborough County, Tampa, and later worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

From an early age, Carolyn accepted Christ into her heart, and her life’s ministry centered on witnessing the love of God. Her passion for evangelism led her to travel extensively throughout the United States, sharing God’s love with people from all walks of life.

Her first missionary journey took her to West Africa, where she furthered her mission of spreading the gospel. Carolyn also ministered in Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania, and Belize, spending three months in Belize diligently preaching the word of God. Her commitment to the mission never wavered, and she continued to share her faith with everyone she encountered, whether caretakers, nurses, or anyone who crossed her path.

A mentor to many, Carolyn’s love for others and her devotion to God left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She was a woman whose kindness, compassion, and dedication to Christ made her family proud to call her their mother and spiritual leader. Carolyn had a deep love for praise and worship, family gatherings, and traveling.

Her birthdays were always a "GRAND CELEBRATION " - an occasion she made sure was recognized and enjoyed to the fullness. 

Carolyn Yvonne Wilson-Shields will be missed beyond words. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Tanya Jerry, Ray Wright, Reginia Payne (Ricky), Reginald Wilson (Laranette), Yvette Terrell, Rhonda Kennedy (Roosevelt), Carolyn Wright, along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by: Parents: Frank Wilson (Father), Leatha Sneed (Mother), John Hannie Sneed (Stepfather),Siblings: Frankie Lee Swindell (Sister), Robert Wilson (Brother), Jean Elisabeth Wilson-Williams (Sister),Husband: Semore Shields (united in Holy Matrimony in 1982),Children: Rwanda Gail Wynder (Daughter), Ronald Derrick Wright (Son),Son-in-Law: Howard Terrell III.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ, 3796 E. Highway 21, Dime Box, Texas 77853. The viewing will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM with the Celebration Service beginning at 11:00 AM.