OBITUARY: Sheila Ann Wilkes

Sheila Wilkes Obituary

Sheila Ann Wilkes, 85, affectionately known as “Sheilann”, “Mama” and “Granny” departed this life peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025. She was born August 18, 1939, in Nashville, TN to Mr. & Mrs. James Wallace, Sr. (Mudear & Daddy).

She professed faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, where she participated in Sunday School, Church services and BYPU (Baptist Young People’s Union). Later in life, she joined the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, and finally the Riverside Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Sheila attended Metro Nashville Public Schools: Head Elementary, Pearl Elementary, Washington Junior High and Pearl High School, and went on to study at Tennessee A&I State University. In May of 1991, she earned an Associate of Science degree from Trevecca Nazarene College and became a certified Medical Assistant.

In her younger years of employment, Sheila compassionately served as a Nurse’s Technician at Vanderbilt University Hospital. She also was employed for many years at Western Electric Corporation. At last, she worked for the Kroger corporation as a Customer Service Clerk.

Sheila was a caring, hard-working and resilient woman of faith. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was a loving Mother who taught her children the importance of knowing and serving the Lord. She trained them up to be honest, industrious, respectful and studious. She supported their dreams and cheered their endeavors, while teaching them to walk in integrity with compassion for others. She adored her grandchildren and instilled in them to be their best and live by Christian values.

Sheila loved to read and was a writer of poems, writing many over the years about faith, family and godly character. She loved music and played in the band at Washington Jr. High. She had a “choir voice” and loved to sing hymns! Over many years, she and Dennon (Teryna) spent – what would add up to be – several hours singing and harmonizing together, rejoicing in the Lord. She was grateful for God’s many blessings in her life.

She leaves to cherish her memories: loving children, Rhon A. Edwards, Vanore L. Edwards, Teryna D. Edwards (Teresa), Rhondylle J. Wallace; grandchildren, Lawanda Kinnard (Allen), Tnye’ L. Edwards, Reggie L. Wallace, TLeah S. Edwards, Rhaven C. Wallace; great-grandchildren, Destiny, Donald, Daphene, Dayla, Rhilee, Remi; and great-great-grandchildren; siblings, James Wallace, Jr, Jan C. Wallace, Adonna M. Kersey, Sadaria L. Wallace (LaShondra); nieces, Trina (Randy), Renita, Arte (Denise), Jamil, Jalen, Tyra, Keybi, Russell, Kendrius, Shareeka, Sequoia, Talonda, Kevontay, Brian, Stacy; cousins, Joan Woods, Brenda Hester, Melonie Robinson, Valerie McCall, Melony McCall; aunts, Eula McCall, Gloria McCall; loving friends, Barbara Boyd, Thenita Jones, Edwina Toms, Peggy Edwards.

She was preceded in death by parents, Mr. & Mrs. James Wallace, Sr., grandchildren, Juantonio L. Edwards, Brian K. Edwards, cousin, Jean Barnes; great-uncle, Fred D. McCall.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.