EARLY – The dedication of the Debra Tyson Shields Pavilion at McDonald Park took place Saturday morning, as her family and the City of Early honored the post office rural mail carrier of 35 years who was known even more so for her gardening and graciousness.
The pavilion now sits where the former locker room of McDonald Field once stood.
“When we first mentioned tearing down the locker room some people treated them like they were the Taj Mahal,” Early City Administrator Tony Aaron said with a laugh. “It was a tough decision but we knew the locker room needed to go to turn this into something more. When we took it down, we had no idea where we would be today. We hoped there would be a pavilion, but there was not a plan in place until (Debra’s husband) Larry (Shields) approached us and wanted to do this.”
Mayor Bob Mangrum welcomed those in attendance Saturday morning, stating, “Today we’re here to honor Debra Shields and her family and thank them for this magnificent structure that we’ve added to our park.”
Aaron then explained how the pavilion came to be, stating, “We got the park a few years ago from Early ISD and we wanted to turn it into something the community can really enjoy, and it’s been an honor to be a part of that and see it take shape. A lot has happened here in a few years and the cool thing is a lot of it is about the community giving back to the community. This is what this place is about, and we have a special lady that meant a lot to Early and Early meant a lot to her. Her family wanted to honor that and give back in a place that creates so many memories for all of us that have history and ties to this community.”
Larry Shields then spoke of his wife, who passed away Dec. 15, 2020 at the age of 65.
“Deb had an inspiring impact on a lot of people,” Shields said. “She certainly deserved this recognition, but if she were here to see it today it would not be accepted. We all know she adamantly refused any accolades or recognition. Legacy is not about success, wealth or fame, it’s about what we leave behind and the impact you make on your family, friends, and community. Legacy is our commitment to faith, our family and being kind to everyone. The lasting impact she had on others did not die with her, so we must honor it by living it.”
Before the dedication prayer by from Wes Hutchins, Aaron told those in attendance the angle braces in the rafters were constructed with rocks from Debra’s flower garden.
Hutchins then said, “She bloomed where ever she was at. Her flower garden, words escape me to define it, but that’s not who she is. Deb was a living saint on this earth to show the love of Christ to all us. A scripture that comes to mind is 1 John 4:8 that says ‘He who knows not love, knows not God, for God is love.’ That’s who Deb was, love personified through her Christ to all of us in all of our lives.”
