Barry Lewis Shields was the third child born to Clara E. Hicks-Shields and Mitchell Shields. He departed this life on December 3rd, 2016 due to health complications.

Barry attended the Preston Street Elementary School #146 located on Eden & Preston Streets. This was the place where Barry developed his passion for Baseball. Barry later graduated from Samuel Gompers Vocational School #298 on North Ave & Broadway.

At a very young age Barry received his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Barry was baptized at Fountain Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dennis Barrow and Rev. Herman Ford. Barry later received Rev. Dr. Michael A. Chambers as his spiritual leader. He would often visit Harlem Park Community Baptist Church, simply to support Dr. Raymond Kelly Jr. Barry faithfully attended Sunday School on a regular basis and he was known around Fountain Baptist for being a quiet man with a sweet compassionate soul.

Barry’s love for sports was evident at an early age, he would even play on the Baseball team at Fountain Baptist Church. He and the neighborhood boys would meet up at Madison Square Park for a game or two.

Barry’s other passion was music. He enjoyed all genres of music, particularly the ‘Oldies but Goodies.’ He often served as the house DJ on many special occasions where he displayed his Base Voice. He was an active duckpin bowler and cyclist. His primary passion was the cinema. Barry loved movies, he preferred westerns and action movies. As a young man he was well known for staying at the Apollo Movie Theater all-day long. While away from his many recreations he was an employee at Western Electric in the custodial department.

A significant portion of Barry’s life was spent volunteering at Changing Directions, Inc. Barry would help to open and close the building and aid in the upkeep and maintenance of the facility. In the mornings he would aid in the new member orientation program. Where ever Barry could lend a helping hand, he was present. In 1985 Barry was elected to the Board of Directors by a group of his peers.

Changing Directions, Inc. and its staff members had such a positive impact on Barry’s life. Some of his best friends over the years were Ms. Ruth Bridges and Mr. Kersley Vauls, they also acted as his faithful mentors.

Barry Shields was so well known for placing others before himself. He would help anyone that he could regardless of whether he knew you or not, you were treated like family. In May of 1983 Barry lost his mother Clara, he immediately went on to help and care for his grandmother Flossie Hicks until her death in August of 1989. Barry had two aunts Tinne C. Spencer and Flossie M. Hicks that loved him just as their own son. His nephew Billy Shivers, cousins Charlotte and Gretchen took him under their wings in order to take care of him the way in which he would love and take care of others.

Barry Leaves behind a host of loved ones: his sister Patricia (Pat) Chester; his two nieces; Robin(Ronald); his nephews Billy(Olivia) and Tag; his great nieces Saidah and Courtney; his cousins Allison, Alex, Amayah, Ali and Auston; as well as a host of other friends and family members. Barry will be missed around the Oliver Community, as he was well known for talking about sports and the local politics of the city.

Let the Works I’ve Done Speak for Me.

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