Margaret Blanks Shields, 80, of Timberlake Drive, Lynchburg and formerly of Appomattox, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. She was the wife of Malcolm Reid Shields for 50 years.

Born in Halifax County, Va., on March 2, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Laura Ferguson and George Henry Blanks. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church and the Appomattox Garden Club. Margaret retired after many years of service with Virginia Baptist Hospital. Through her nursing career and community involvement Margaret touched many lives.

In addition to her husband she is survived by a son, Dr. Ed Bower of Lynchburg; a grandson, Mitchell Wade Bower; a brother, George Henry Blanks and wife, Marla; four sisters, Ann King, Becky McDaniel, Ruth Carwile and husband, Horace, and Nancy Health; and numerous nieces and nephews including a loving and devoted niece and her family, Lorraine B. Potter, husband, John and their sons.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Allen Blanks, Charles Blanks, and James Blanks.

A graveside funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Friday, April 14, 2017 at Midway Baptist Church Cemetery by the Rev. Chis Kesler.

The family will receive friends at the residence.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made in her memory to Midway Baptist Church Building Fund, 2595 Midway Road, Phenix, VA 23959.