Jessie Mae Shields
April 4, 1943 — April 28, 2026
Jessie Mae Shields, a beloved and faithful woman who cherished her family and her faith, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Born on April 4, 1943, in Dumas, Arkansas. She and her family made a transition to Ponca City in 1973. Jessie lived a life marked by love, dedication, and profound strength which came from the Lord.
Jessie was known for her selfless spirit and boundless compassion. She was always willing to help others, never hesitating to lift up those in need with her prayers and the kindness of her heart. Throughout her life, she was the steadfast caregiver for her father, husband, mother and other family. Her children were always in her prayers, reflective of her nurturing and protective nature.
Her devotion to her faith was central to her life. As a woman who loved the Lord, Jessie found joy and peace in attending church and in the fellowship it brought. Upon moving to Ponca City she attended Johnson Temple Church of God in Christ and later became mother of Reach Out For Jesus Church of God in Christ. At the time of her passing she was attending Ministries of The Holy Place.
Her home was a haven of warmth and comfort, where family gathered for home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by her. Her grandchildren especially enjoyed her cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. She created treasured memories by hosting special birthday parties with homemade cakes and sharing simple joys like Friday visits to McDonald’s, which were delightful treats in her children's childhoods.
Jessie is survived by her children Anthony (Tina), Larry (Tiffany), Antoinette (Roderick), Patrick, Artra, and Dennis (Kia); her devoted siblings Coy Swygert (Jackie), Ora Jackson (Curtis), and Willie Swygert; her grandchildren—Kegan (Malcolm), Kiana, Kyler, Qwintezz, Beriah, Leonte, Jordan (Andrea), Kabria, Emari, M’kai, Khalyl, Markell, Laira, and Laina—along with her great-grandchildren Abrielle, Aceyn, Caydrian, and Miles.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Edward and Juanita Swygert, and her loving husband Joe Shields.
Jessie was described by one of her grandchildren as “an Angel on Earth,” a fitting tribute to a woman whose heart was full of wisdom, whose spirit was free of complaint, and whose strength and grace illuminated the lives of those around her. Her journey on this earth was a testament to a life well-lived, full of love, faith, and kindness.
She will be profoundly missed but forever remembered with love and respect by her entire family. Her enduring legacy is the love she gave and the countless prayers she offered for others, a true reflection of a life dedicated to others.
