Velma M. Shields Gregg, 90, longtime Paola resident and retired businesswoman, died Thursday, March 4, 1999, at Miami County Medical Center.

She was born March 3, 1909, in Goodrich, Kan., the eldest daughter of Harry and Elizabeth Hearn. The family moved to Osawatomie when she was a young child. She graduated from Osawatomie High School on May 12, 1929. She spent most of her adult life in the Miami County area.

She was married to Mac Hamlin on Dec. 26, 1930. They moved to Paola to make their home. He preceded her in death in 1948, leaving her with a 10-year-old daughter, Joy.

She entered the business world, opening the Children's Bazaar in Paola with Hazel Hay. She married Melvin Hicks in 1951, sold her share of the children's shop and went to work at the Viva Shop. Mr. Hicks died in 1954.

She worked long, hard hours and reinvested what she made into the store. She was known for selling the best name brands and most attractive clothes and for selling at the right price. She later remodeled the ready-to-wear women's store, putting up a new storefront.

She married Elwood Shields of Olathe on July 25, 1956. He worked for a short time in the store, then went to work in a men's store. Mr. Shields preceded her in death.

She retired in 1968.

She was married to Homer Gregg in December 1990.

Mrs. Gregg enjoyed playing bridge and loved to dance. She also enjoyed taking her grandchildren to the Paola Country Club to swim. She was very family-oriented. She liked traveling with her husband, Homer.

She was active in civic and community affairs and served as a member or officer of many regional clubs before retiring. She was always interested in making Paola a better city.

She had been an active member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1947 and the Presbyterian Women's Group.

Preceding her in death were her parents, three husbands, Miles Mac Hamlin, Melvin Hicks and Elwood Shields, three brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Homer Gregg of the home; a daughter, Joy Hempy of Olathe; a sister, Opal Hines of Prescott, Ariz.; two granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren.

Services were at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the church. The Rev. Kirk Johnston officiated. Virginia Karr was the organist. Burial was in the Paola Cemetery. Pallbearers were Terry Wintrode, Raymond Rockers, Aubrey Westmorland, Terry Boyer, Doug Winterscheid and Dale Gregg.

Memorials were established in her name and may be left in care of Wilson and Son Funeral Home of Paola.