Deborah Denise Shields

Deborah Denise Shields of Alexandria, Virginia, formerly of Lynchburg, passed away in the early morning hours of September 12, 2023, at UVA University Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Her sister and brother-in-law were by her side.

Debi was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Brona Mae Crim Shields and Charles Durward Shields. She moved with her family to Florida and then to Virginia to attend Lynchburg Baptist College (now Liberty University). Debi worked at The Old Time Gospel Hour managing the donor data entry department, and eventually moved to Northern Virginia where she worked for various non-profit agencies including Concerned Women for America and the National Emergency Numbers Association (NENA). These positions made the most of her talent and love for event planning, something she had demonstrated for years by her hospitality to everyone she met. Her most recent position was as church administrator for the Church at Clarendon. Most importantly, she spent the last 23 years of her life as a devoted caregiver for her mother, who passed away on August 18.

Debi had a strong personality and got things done, especially if she saw someone in need. She was incredibly independent and fiercely loyal. She loved shopping, fresh fruit, Christmas and the Steelers. She often baked cakes or bought doughnuts and delivered them to apartment managers and dentist offices and fire departments. She had deep respect for first responders and always stopped someone in uniform to say, "thank you for your service." If she loved you, you knew it because she showed it.

Debi is survived by her sister, Lisa Shields White, brother-in law Jamey White, and their children Libby and Matthew. Debi loved their little dog, Ginger. She tolerated their cats.

A memorial service will be held on September 17 at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A memorial service in Northern Virginia will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to NENA at www.thankyou911.org.