05/30/2026
Saturday, May 30th -- This morning is the Celebration of Life for Odell Melvin Shields
A visitation will be held at 10:00 am at New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville NC with the memorial service immediately following at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Beginnings Moravian Church of Huntersville, NC.
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A personal recollection of Odell --
I met Odell Shields many years ago when I was employed as New Beginnings' church secretary. He had stopped by the church to see the pastor, and we chatted for a bit. In that brief meeting with him, i learned that Odell had a quick wit, twinkle in his eye, and a no-nonsense way about him. Over the years, i experienced his friendly southern way and sense of humor, and he would often stop by the church office just to say Hi! since he said chuckling that I probably "wasn't doing anything important!" If he said he was going to do something, you could take that to the bank . If a mission project was advertised, it was certain that Odell and Vivian would show up at the church with donations of "whatever" was needed -- be it for the Little Food Pantry, or flip-flops and hot wheels cars for Haiti, athletic socks for the men at Rebound, Angel Tree families, and many more...and most recently, our very own Hope Corner Food Pantry. During Covid, Odell and Vivian were regular participants in our Zoom "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" events, and it was such a gift to see he and Vivian's smiling faces on the screen. The meals they "shared" each week put the rest of ours to shame and to rub it in, Odell took special pride in showing off whatever delectable dessert Vivian had made that evening. Sunday mornings were always better with the Shields in attendance and until they developed health issues, that's where they could be found -- sitting midway down the rows on the left side looking at the altar. Odell was kind, generous, and always offered a smile and encouraging word.
He will be missed.
R.I.P. Odell Shields, good & faithful servant
