Apostle Robert Lee Shields Sr., as we all formerly knew him, departed from this life on Monday, November 20, 2023 at his residence at the age of 70, after an extended period of illness.

You may sign the register on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 12 until 8 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. at The United House of Prayer For All People, 310 Lindsey Street, Reidsville, NC. The family visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m.

The committal and interment will follow at the family's residence in Virginia.

Due to circumstances and his illness, he was not able to attend the United House of Prayer as he would have liked. He was not able to keep his ministerial letter up to date and therefore is now known by some as Brother Shields. He has always been a House of Prayer believer. Not once has he gone against Dad's teachings or the House of Prayer faith. So, let him be as you remember him. Therefore, we honor his closed casket request with "Words of Remembrance."

Even so, he was born May 13, 1953, in Winston-Salem, N.C to the late William and Annie Mae Shields. He attended Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools, graduating from Anderson High School. He attended NC A&T State University for 1 year before taking a break, starting a family, and pastoring. He later attended and graduated from NC A&T State University in 2006 with honors and double majors in History and Political Science with a minor in Russian Studies. He was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International Honor Society, was an All-American Scholar, and was named a Master Gardener. He received a diploma in TV and Computer Repair. He was honored as a lifetime member of Biltmore Who's Who. He also received a diploma in 2006 from the McCollough Theological Seminary. He grew up faithfully as a member of the United House of Prayer, becoming a 500 #2 Elder and Pastor. He pastored for about 30 years in the cities of Waynesboro, GA, Wilmington, NC, Reidsville, NC, and Martinsville, VA. He was pastor in Reidsville when the United House of Prayer moved from the storefront to the forefront, being one of the first houses to be renovated and dedicated under the leadership of Precious Daddy Madison. He loved serving people, praising God through his music and many sermons, and working hard in the United House of Prayer. He once received a Certificate of Achievement as Runner-Up to the Top 100.

He was a lover of people, always putting others before self. He loved to see people and things grow and prosper. He was very talented. He loved creating, gardening, building, cooking, his family, God, Dad, and the United House of Prayer. He was the builder and owner of the first black owned business in Ferrum- Neighbors Helping Neighbors Kitchen that operated for 5 years before he became ill. He was a strong man - a man of great faith. He never complained much. He fought a good fight.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Saint Johnnie Mae; 2 daughters; 3 sons; 1 son-in-law; 3 daughters-in-law; 3 grandchildren; 1 brother; 2 sisters; 2 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Service by McLaurin-Harris