Linnie Shields

Reflections of Linnie’s Life

Linnie Irene Davis Shields was born on December 5, 1921 in Charleston, West Virginia. She attended Garnet High School in Charleston and graduated in 1940.

She met her husband, William E. Shields, in 1942 and married him in 1944. Linnie held various jobs in Charleston. She and her husband came to New York in September of 1949 because of scarce jobs in West Virginia.

Linnie became involved in the labor activities in New York and joined the District 65 Labor Union. She worked at several shops and was a Shop Stewart at Lerner’s, Menter retail stores, and Willoughby Camera. She also worked in the office of the District 65 Labor Union.

After retiring in 1982, she was involved with the retirees’ group of the union and became President of the South West Community Group of Retired Senior Citizens. Linnie was elected financial secretary of Local 2179 UAW Retirees in New York of over 4,000 retired members. She had to resign after her illness.

She was a member and an Elder of St. Augustine Presbyterian Church for over 30 years and was involved with all activities. Linnie was also a member of AARP, the National Council of Senior Citizens, The Congress of Senior Citizens and the Alliance for Retired Americans.

Linnie leaves behind to cherish her memories her husband William; two nephews who were close especially Robert who was like a son, Robert and Richard Shields; many cousins; her church family, many friends, neighbors and co-workers.

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