Billie Jean Royals Shields

Billie Jean Royals Shields, age 75 of Gillett, Arkansas gained her heavenly wings on Friday, April 28, 2023. Billie Jean was born on November 28, 1947, in Dermott, Arkansas to John William and Bernice Fuller Royals. She was raised in McGehee, AR where she was a member of Chickasaw Baptist Church and graduated from high school in 1965. She then continued her education at A&M College where she received a bachelor’s degree in education. She went on to teach business classes in the public education system before staying home to raise her family. Later, Billie Jean worked for Riceland until her retirement in December 2019.

Billie Jean was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Billie Jean is preceded in death by her parents; husband Gary “Catfish” Shields; daughters, Lisa Michelle Hall and Christina Adonnis Williams; and granddaughter, Natalie Grace Williams.

Billie Jean is survived by her son, Jason Shields and wife Stacy of Missouri City, TX; sisters, Brenda Kay Whitehead, Patty Jenkins, and Debbie Williams; grandchildren, Morgan Gipson, Donavan Shields, Caleb Shields, Logan Shields, Skylar Williams, and Hayden Williams; five great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews, as well as friends.

A private Celebration of Life will be held with family.  Cremation arrangements by Essex Funeral Home.  www.essexfuneralhome.com