Martha Jane Spake Shields, 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Hospice Wendover in Shelby.

Born in Cleveland County on October 11, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Andrew Jackson Spake and Mattie Sue Sheppard Spake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Donald Shields; her daughter, Willa Sue Whitaker Schutz; her son, William Bradford Shields; her brothers, Everett Spake, Charles Spake, Bobby Spake, and Wesley Spake; and her sisters, Ruth Spake and Elizabeth Smith.

Martha faithfully served alongside her husband in the real estate business for many years. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Shelby, where she loved her church family and Sunday School class. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, enjoyed working in her yard, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Scott Lamar Shields and his wife, Carolyn Jean, of Enid, Oklahoma; her daughter, Patricia Shields Allen and her husband, Danny, of Surfside Beach, South Carolina; her brothers, John Ray Spake and Henry Spake; and her sister-in-law, Rose Shields.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Timothy Whitaker (Allison), Kelli Sweet (Nathan), Shannon Muhlestein (Tim), and Hunter Allen (Taci).

Her cherished great-grandchildren include Jessica Whitaker, Reagan Bridges (Colton), James Muhlestein, Kira Muhlestein, Jayson Sweet, Danielle Sweet.

Martha also leaves behind many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly, visited her often, and brought her great joy throughout her life. Her family is deeply grateful for the love and kindness they shared with her.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 in the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for an hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Shelby or to the VIA Hospice Partners of Cleveland County.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.