Thomas "Shields" Fletcher Jr.

March 4, 2003 – October 5, 2025

On October 5, 2025, the world lost one of its brightest lights when Thomas "Shields" Fletcher Jr. passed away unexpectedly.

Shields was born on March 4, 2003, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, at Piedmont Medical Center, to his parents, Kristin Reese and Tom Fletcher.

Shortly after birth, Shields was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), becoming one of the first babies in the hospital's NICU to ever receive that diagnosis. Doctors warned that he might never walk or talk due to severe hypotonia (low muscle tone), and that PWS would affect nearly every organ and system in his body. They also explained that one of the most difficult aspects of PWS would be the lifelong struggle with hyperphagia, which is an unrelenting sense of hunger.

Throughout his life, Shields was supported by his devoted family and a long list of extraordinary specialists and renowned physicians who worked together to pursue groundbreaking medical interventions and therapies, always with the goal of improving and extending his quality of life.

Shields attended Jefferson Elementary School and Shelby Intermediate School in Cleveland County, NC, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Rutherford County, NC, and McCarthy-Teszler School in Spartanburg, SC. During his years in school, he was blessed with compassionate and loving teachers and staff that helped him thrive and bloom in every environment.

One of Shields' proudest achievements was serving as a North Carolina Legislative Page. He also received the Hero Award at Jefferson Elementary School, an honor that recognized his courage, kindness, and determination, qualities that continued to define him throughout his life. He competed in the Special Olympics, played on the Miracle League baseball team in Spartanburg, SC, and loved attending Camp Spearhead in Greenville County, SC.

Shields possessed an innate fortitude, an inclusive and loving heart, unstoppable determination, and an unwavering faith in Christ. These qualities allowed him to surpass countless physical and mental limitations throughout his life. He loved reading, horseback riding, biking, swimming, basketball, fishing, hiking, and bowling.

For his mother, Kristin, Shields was a light that illuminated every corner of her heart. As her first baby and greatest teacher, he forever changed the way she viewed love, faith, and strength. Through him, she discovered a resilience she never knew she possessed, one born from the deepest kind of devotion a mother can know. With Shields, she shared an extraordinary bond, one built through countless beautiful moments and many challenging days. He was her antiquing buddy, car ride karaoke partner, bird watching companion, and coffee drinking confidant. Through the hardest moments of PWS and the brightest ones, they faced life side by side, always with laughter, music, and love. The last words she spoke to him were that she was proud of him and loved him with all her heart. Shields was and will always be her hero.

Shields shared a deep bond with his father, Tom Fletcher. They shared a love for the woods and the outdoors, spending time together at Tom's family farm, Adger, in Winnsboro, SC. Whether they were riding four wheelers or walking through the pine trees at the farm, Shields cherished every moment with his beloved "daddy". Their time together reflected their shared appreciation for the simple joys of life and the peace found in the outdoors.

He also shared a special connection with his stepfather, Vince Reese, affectionately known as "Mr." to Shields. At Vince's company, Cardinal Tissue, Shields loved helping him out at the company's corporate offices that he is currently remodeling; handing over tools, sweeping floors, or sometimes simply just "being" there – he loved every minute of it. Shields took great pride in feeling useful, included, and having a purpose. The two shared many hours together during that time. He was, without question, the most beautiful Cardinal.

He was also loved by his stepmother, Sarah Fletcher, who shared in Shields' mutual love of cats. Years ago, in one of life's sweet coincidences, Shields found a stray cat named Dot who became Sarah and Tom's cat. Shields always called her "Sarah's cat," and everyone was always very surprised that he never claimed Dot as his own, since he wanted ownership of every cat in existence.

Shields shared an extraordinarily beautiful, yet complex bond, with his younger sister, Kate, who was one of his most loyal supporters, advocates, and constant companions. Their relationship, rooted in unconditional love, was sometimes complicated by the challenges of PWS, marked by moments of frustration, but always bound by a love that was unshakable and true. Shields wanted to be just like his sister, and it sometimes frustrated him that he couldn't be. Yet she

did her very best to help him learn to celebrate his individuality and his many special gifts, including his remarkable gift of rhythm. Kate introduced her brother to nearly every musical genre, and music became the heartbeat of their connection and their purest form of joy. They went to countless concerts together, and those experiences became treasured memories filled with laughter, dancing, and light. Kate always led the way through her spirited dance moves, and Shields watched her closely, trying to match every move she made. What amazed everyone was how naturally rhythm lived within him. He could identify almost any song from its opening notes, instantly naming the musician or band. Music was where he and his sister met in perfect harmony, a place where laughter, love, and rhythm intertwined, reminding all who saw them that connection does not need words, only a shared beat.

Being Shields' sister was not always easy. By default, Kate also became one of his caregivers, a role she never asked for but stepped into with courage and unconditional love. Kate's parents are endlessly grateful for the patience, resilience, and maturity she showed throughout Shields' life, and for the compassion she brought to every challenge that PWS carried into their home. She loved her brother fiercely, and although he struggled to express it, he loved her just the same. The family asks that you keep Kate especially close in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

And let us never forget how Shields had a deep and joyful love– let's be honest - an obsession for cats unlike anything you have ever seen. He adored his cats, Charlie and Ducky, who graciously allowed him to smother them with endless hugs and kisses each day. He also loved his dogs, Max and Molly, however his cats always came first. He proudly referred to himself as the "Master," not only of his own cats but also of his Papa and B's cats, Gray and Pepper, whom he happily claimed as his own. Shields wore his title of "Cat Daddy" with pride.

Shields had another obsession, one in which was nearly equivalent to his love for cats; and one that was also not for the faint of heart; which was spiders. However, hIs younger sister, Kate, and the majority of their family did not, and still do not, share in that mutual love of eight-legged arachnids. The entire family would like to thank Shields' grandfather (Papa) for the sacrificial "spider walks" that he took Shields on when they were together, relieving the rest of the family from that creepy-crawly duty.

Growing up as a member of Shelby Presbyterian Church in Shelby, NC, Shields loved his church family dearly, and they loved him right back. He was baptized

and confirmed there, and he found great joy in singing in the choir, very loudly and proudly, and playing handbells with enthusiasm and heart.

Shields had a servant's heart. He loved helping his mom fill up the blessing boxes in his community with food, picking up trash along the road during their daily walks, and donating supplies to local animal shelters.

Shields traveled to a multitude of destinations across the United States over the years, but his favorite places were close by; his home on Lake Lanier, SC, Kiawah Island, SC, Lake Marion, SC, and Adger in Winnsboro, SC, all of which held cherished family memories.

Though the hunger caused by Prader-Willi Syndrome made his life extremely challenging, Shields never let it define him. While every minute of every day was a battle, in terms of feeling non-stop hunger; he faced every one of them with courage. He lived a full and meaningful life, rich with memorable experiences, laughter, and endless love from those around him.

In addition to his parents and stepparents, Shields was blessed with a loving, blended family that includes his beloved sister, Kate Fletcher, and step siblings Cody Reese and Kelsey Larson. Kelsey and her husband, Tyson Larson, were blessed with two children, Baby Everett and Reese Larson, who adored their Uncle Shields just as much as he adored them.

Shields will be deeply and dearly missed by the best grandparents in the entire world, Steve and Becky Hill (Papa and B), and Richard and Ellen Fletcher (Pop and Gran el), all of whom meant the world to him. These four were truly angels on Earth, pouring boundless love into his life. They spent countless days and weekends with him throughout the years, taking him on adventures, teaching him manners, reading with him, sharing stories, and giving him the freedom to explore the world safely and joyfully. Their unwavering devotion also gave Shields' parents the rare gift of rest, knowing their son was deeply loved and cherished in their care. For this, the family will be forever grateful.

Shields also leaves behind his cherished aunts and uncles Jonathan and Jody Hill, Walt and Martha Fletcher, Scott and Judy Rains, and Jerry Langley, as well as his cousin, Hillary Langley Gunter. His late Aunt Myra Langley and late Great Grandmother Frances Hill were both very special to Shields and held permanent places in his heart. There are far too many other relatives and extended family members to name individually, but Shields loved spending

time with all of them and cherished every visit, celebration, and gathering shared together.

Shields also shared countless holidays, birthdays, and summer adventures with his beloved cousins, Nevaeh Hill, Ellie Fletcher, and "the boys", Daniel and Hampton Fletcher, all of whom brought so much joy into his life.

The family would also like to thank three caregivers that nurtured and loved Shields throughout his entire life: Hazeline Adams, Juanita Surratt, and Kelley Stribling. Words cannot adequately convey the level of gratitude that the family has for the love and support these incredible women provided Shields.

Though his time on earth was far too short, Shields' faith, perseverance, and love left a mark that will never fade. His journey was indeed "the road less traveled," but he walked it with grace and purpose, pressing forward with his eyes and heart fixed on Heaven.

To honor Shields' beautiful life, the family invites everyone who knew him or who is touched by his story to carry his light forward. Let his legacy of kindness, faith, and inclusion inspire you to love more deeply, give more freely, and see the beauty in every soul you meet. May his gentle spirit continue to shine through all who were blessed to know and love him.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Shields' beautiful life on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Tryon International. The celebration will begin at 12:00 p.m., with a light lunch provided for all guests. For those traveling from out of town, on site lodging is available and can be booked directly through Tryon International's website: https://www.resort.tryon.com/lodging

The family asks that you please RSVP via the following link:

https://everloved.com/life-of/thomas-shields-fletcher/obituary/

Memorials

Memorials made be made in memory of Shields to the below organizations:

Foothills Humane Society

Columbus, NC www.foothillshumanesociety.org

Foundation for Prader-Willi Research www.fpwr.org

For those who wish to send flowers, the family would be deeply grateful if they could be arranged for use at Shields' Celebration of Life event. For coordination and delivery details, please reach out to Kistin Reese at [email protected]