Charlene Shields

Blanche Charlene Cleveland Shields, 91, of Crossville, IL, born June 12, 1923, passed away Friday, January 9, 2015, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN, after a brief illness. After earning a Masters of Education from the University of Illinois, Charlene taught school for thirty-five years; in Hinsdale, Crossville and Carmi. She was also the Assistant School Superintendent for White County. Her quest for knowledge was endless, leading her to earn five additional Masters (MA, MBA, MENG, MSW and MS). Charlene was an avid genealogist and an active member of the Genealogical Society. For several years she wrote a weekly genealogy column which was printed in the Carmi Times. Then in 2003 she published a book, That Which Was and Those Who Were, which was based on the weekly columns. As recent as February 2014, Charlene portrayed President Lincoln's step-mother, Nancy Hanks, at historical events throughout Southern Illinois and Indiana. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Charlene was well known as a supporter of environmental issues and animals. She was very devoted to her dog companions, Folly and then Bo.

Charlene will sadly be missed by her family, son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Linda Shields of Collinsville, IL and three grandchildren, Terri (Keith) Garrett of Collinsville; Scott (Phyllis) and Jack Shields of Troy, IL; a step great-granddaughter, Nichole Dotson and a step-great-great-granddaughter, Aaralyn Merkel of Troy.

Per Charlene's request, she was cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Wabash Christian Retirement Center's chapel in Carmi with Mike Fields, Len Wells and Bob Layton officiating.

Memorial gifts may be given in Charlene's name to the Smile Train or to a charity of choice and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi who is in charge of arrangements.