Nettie Hickey Shields, 24, Tells Husband She Was Going Home to Her Infant Daughter, Feb. 8, 1924

Called to Her Reward

The death angel visited the home of J.B. Shields and took from him his dear companion, Nettie Hickey Shields, on January 23, 1924.

They were married May 28, 1919, and have made Akron, Ohio, their home. She was 24 years old. Nettie was a devout Christian, devoted wife and loving mother. All who knew her learned to love her.

She was sick only five days and just before she died she called her husband to her bedside and told him she was going home to her infant daughter that had preceded her.

She leaves to mourn their loss a husband, J.B. Shields; a 2-year-old daughter, Geraldine; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Decouter Hickey of Suit, N.C.; two brothers and six sisters and a host of relatives and friends.

Her body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Friendship Church, Suit, N.C., on January 27, 1924.

Weep not for Nettie, sorrowing loved ones and friends, our loss is her eternal gain.

I sit and think, when the sunset’s gold

I shall one day stand by the waters

Is [in?] flushing river, and hill, and shore, cold,

And list for the sound of the boatman’s oar.

I shall watch for the gleam of the flapping sail;

I shall hear the boat as it gains the strand;

I shall pass from sight with the Boatman, pale,

To the better shore of the Spirit Land.

I shall know the loved, who have gone before,

And joyfully sweet will the meeting be,

When over the river—the Peaceful River—

The Angel of Death shall carry me.

From page 5 of the Cherokee Scout, Murphy, N.C., Feb. 8, 1924