Darwin Michael Shields was born on August 21, 1990, in Grand Prairie, TX. From infancy, Darwin attended church. When his mother, Dana C. Jones, married Rev. Kenneth Jones, Jr., a young local, studious preacher, his true spiritual nurturing began. At the age of six, Darwin accepted Christ and was baptized by his father at Como First Missionary Baptist Church. Under his dad's preaching and teaching, Darwin developed a deep love for understanding and practicing The Word. He dedicated himself to reading and studying scripture, striving to honor God in all aspects of his life. In adolescence, Darwin's cousin, Rev. Daniel White, challenged him to read one chapter of Proverbs every day. Darwin accepted the challenge, and it became a life-changing habit. He began intentionally putting God first in his daily decision-making—a routine that stayed with him throughout his life.

Darwin's academic promise became evident early on, in the 7th grade when he took his initial PSAT. He went on to consistently achieve top scores on statewide and national exams, won UIL mathematics competitions, and won the school spelling bee. Though he began to succeed at a high level, his success was not without obstacles as he was diagnosed with ADHD, which permeated and affected his tasks daily. Nevertheless, he persevered to achieve remarkable triumphs despite this challenge. These accomplishments launched a plethora of opportunities for him to attend top schools across the nation. Darwin had a vast love for basketball in his youth, however, his passion for academics ultimately prevailed. In his senior year, he made the decision to forego sport and instead challenge himself with advanced courses like Differential Equations, Electromagnetic Physics, and Multi-Variable Calculus.

Darwin received copious notable academic accolades such as AP Scholar, Superintendent’s Scholar, RadioShack Scholar, Paschal Academic Society of Excellence, Distinguished Achievement Graduate, Paschal letterman (science), George Washington Carver tuition scholarship, Lake Como Community Youth achievement award, National Honors Society member, and many more. As a National Merit Scholar and National Achievement Scholar for African American scholars, Darwin received multiple scholarship offers from highly esteemed institutions. Ultimately, he chose The University of Tulsa, where he was offered the presidential scholarship. Darwin graduated from The University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in physics, with minors in math, computer science, and religion. He was a 6-time published author of academic articles and a research project.

Darwin’s love for sports continued into college as he reignited his passion for basketball by joining the official traveling club team. He also took up the sport of ultimate frisbee and traveled to various states to compete. This hobby consumed much of his free time for several years following college, as he traveled across the metroplex to participate in competitions.

Darwin had a deep passion for music. He was not only self-taught on the keyboard, but also skilled in playing the violin. His love for music extended beyond instrumental talents, as he also showcased his vocal abilities by singing in The University of Tulsa choir and the CFMBC praise team. He also was a talented composer who wrote several pieces of music.

Darwin was able to identify and nurture his fondest passions in college. These followed him throughout his life, though many manifested themselves at a young age and remained as core values in the forefront, as testaments to his character and spirit of benevolence. Darwin was convicted with a yearning to give to and do for others who could not otherwise do for themselves. He valued the wellbeing of others even over that of his own. What may go unnoticed or seem unimportant to others, became the primary objective in Darwin’s life. He took it as a personal challenge to identify and meet the unmet needs of so many people. It not only spanned greatly in distance throughout the greater DFW metroplex, but also in number and time as he touched the lives of so many people behind the scenes throughout each and every year of his life. Darwin cared for others first. His first purchase on pay day would be to acquire multiple gift cards to eateries so that he could hand them out within the community. Darwin was also convicted greatly to give back to the Lord. He was an avid tither and on many an occasion was even convicted to give his entire paycheck as an offering. He did these things often and with priority above all else. He even valued his gifts to others and the Lord beyond that of paying his rent or other financial obligations. He loved the Lord first and he loved others more than he did himself. His family wishes to honor his memory by continuing his legacy of benevolence to church and community.

Darwin is survived by his parents, Rev. Kenneth Jones, Jr. and Dana Jones, sister, Kamille, brother, Andrew, grandmothers, Billie Caldwell and Betty Jones, numerous other family members and friends.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/darwin-shields/obituary/

Copy