Carol Gaye Shields

Carol Gaye Shields, 73 of Columbiana, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 21, 2024 at St. Elizabeth/Mercy Health, Boardman. Carol was born March 30, 1951 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Frederick T. and Donna Maxine (Allbery) Bird and was a lifelong area resident. 

She graduated from Wilson High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Youngstown State University. Carol was the program director for the Potential Development Program, Youngstown and had coordinated the program for Ameri Corps. Carol also taught the certification program at YSU for the Associate Degree in child development and had served on the board of MASCO. She was very interested in early childhood development and was on the forefront in helping students with autism and special needs. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting. Carol’s greatest joy in her life was her children and grandchildren and cherished the time spent together. 

She will be dearly missed by her husband of over 50 years, Daniel Shields; her son, David Shields of Dayton; her daughter, Katie (David) Rodgers of Beaver, PA and her two grandchildren, Cora and Henry. Carol also leaves her brother, Rick Bird of Monroe, NC. There will be no calling hours or services per Carol’s wishes. The family will be having a private celebration of her life. 

The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to Potential Development, 2405 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44507