Daisy Mae Shields

Daisy Shields was born Daisy Mae Fashaw on April 9, 1929 in Eustis, Florida to Onetear Cherry Fashaw and Sampson Fashaw. The only daughter, she was the oldest of her stepbrothers from her father and stepmom, Gladys. Her grandparents Turner and Nellie Fashaw played a large role in raising her and she had very fond memories of her early life in Florida. As a child, Daisy was equally curious and clever. At 7 years old, she traveled with an All Male Chorus, singing solos. She had a beautiful and strong singing voice. As a pre-teen, she and her mom moved to Harlem, NY where she later attended Manhattan High School.

After the birth of her first child, James Elbert Shields also known as “Poppy”, in 1946, she married husband Frederick Lowell Shields on April 19, 1947. They settled in the Bronx, NY. Daisy gave birth to their eldest daughters, Frederica Onetaer (1950) also known as “Sister”, Steffany Renee, also known as “Steff” (1951); and later Stacey Amber (1969). Daisy completed her GED and vocational training for clerical work. She held various jobs including a retail position at Gimbels department store in Manhattan and in the auditing department of Lord & Taylor.

In 1968, she became a grandmother for the first time to grandson Derek, son of James. Frederica had one child, Kwanita. Steffany had a daughter, Kendra. Later, Stacey had 2 children, Amber and James. Her kids lovingly called her “Ma”, her grands called her “Grandma” and “Nana”. In 1997, she became a great grandmother for the first time with Tayler who was born to Kendra. She loved being a grandmother and taking care of her grandchildren. 

When she retired from Lord & Taylor, she was launched into being the primary caregiver for her daughter, Frederica and then her husband, Fred when they both succumbed to medical challenges. After the death of Fred in 1996, she began to fully enjoy her retirement. She became active in her church, Church of Revelation, as a nursery worker and a volunteer with their Father’s Heart ministry. She also joined a bowling team, did fitness classes at the local YMCA, and participated in activities of the senior citizen organization at her residence, Carol Gardens. She also achieved her dream to travel internationally to England, France, Italy, Bahamas and Canada, in addition to various domestic trips to visit family. 

In 2008, she suffered a brain aneurysm at age 78. Doctors believed that her time had come then, but the Lord had a different plan. After 2 months in the hospital, she was discharged to a restored state of health, continuing to maintain an active social life with her family, church community and friends.

In 2020, Daisy moved to New Jersey to be closer to family during the pandemic and remained in New Jersey for the remainder of her life. In 2023, due to a need for additional care with her advancing vascular dementia, she was moved to nursing facilities in NJ -- Regency Heritage Jewish (Somerset, NJ) and NJ Veterans Memorial (Edison).

She loved watching old westerns and crime shows: Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Matlock, Law & Order and Blue Bloods, to name a few. She loved sitting in her recliner doing crossword puzzles and eating pumpkin seeds. She loved styling and profiling, always keeping a signature roller set and a sensible bag. In her later years, she was known to suck on a lollipop, or ten. She was known for her sassy attitude--- a mashed lip and/or a rolled eye were inevitable, but she loved deeply. She adored spending time with her family, friends and her spiritual family, and rooting for the New York Mets.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Turner and Nellie Fashaw, parents Onetear Cherry Fashaw (Arthur) and Sampson Fashaw (Ola), brothers, Charles, Randolph, Samson, Eugene, and MacDonald Fashaw; husband Frederick Shields, and children: Frederica, Steffany, and James Shields. She leaves behind daughter, Stacey Ingram; grandchildren, Derek Shields (Mercedes), Kwanita Beecham, Kendra Shields (Jeff), Amber Ingram and James Ingram; great-grandchildren Brooklyn Shields, Miles Shields, Tayler Montague, and Justin Montague; and a host of extended family and friends.

She peacefully transitioned from this life on April 16, 2026, in the arms of loved ones at JFK University Medical Center in Edison, NJ. She was 97.