Sheila Holmes was born on October 20, 1947 to the late Lela Belle (Roseman) and Wilbur Williams in Akron, Ohio. She attended Grace Elementary School, West Junior High School and graduated from Buchtel High School in 1965. She then went on to complete her Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner credentials through the Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing and the University of Akron. She was the only African-American student in her graduating nursing class. Sheila was currently a member of New Hope Baptist Church, and grew up attending Centenary United Methodist Church.

Sheila had an expansive career in the Health Care Field. She was employed by the Akron Health Department and The Akron Summit Community Action Agency with over 30 years of service. She was a proud member of the Akron Black Nurses Association, the National Black Nurses Association, The Women’s Auxiliary of the Akron Urban League, and The Order of the Eastern Stars- Phoenix Chapter #96, and the Just a Few Divas Savings Club. She enjoyed playing Bingo, Pitty Pat and Keno. Sheila was an active member in the Akron community, volunteering on various boards and committees throughout her life. She was an avid crafter and excellent cook and baker. She loved to travel, especially to warm places with casinos, and spend time with her large network of family and friends.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Lela and Wilbur “Buddy” Williams; Grandparents Florine Roseman Cox and John Choice Roseman and Sydney Cox; Aunts and Uncles John “Buster” and Marian “Sug” Roseman and Emma and Emmitt Reaves; Cousins Herschel Reaves and Steve Brooks, former Husband Tyrone Holmes, and Dear Friends Gloria Bethune, Yvonne Franklin and Yvonne Fedrick and Sheryl Wheeler.

She leaves to cherish her memory Daughters Rhonda (Marvin) Hardin, JuWan (Stephen) White and Ameeca Holmes, all of Akron, Ohio. Daughters-In-Love Deanna Smith, Tonya Holmes Bryant, and Selena Holmes and their families. Grandchildren Choice (Danielle Valentine) Hardin, Chance Hardin, Leila Sims, and Anthony Lane. Great-Grandchildren Braxton and Ahlonna. Special Daughter Tanya Walkin. Best Friends Karen DeJournett, Odessa DeJournett, Gloria Lewis, Janie Foshee, LeRoyce Woods (Lewis), Cousins Ernestine Hayes, Deborah Gisentaner, Robert Lee and former Husband Ronald Hardin. Sheila seemed to know all of Akron, so it was truly rare to meet someone who did not know her or know of her.

Sheila lived her life to the fullest and made an impact on everyone she met. She honored and trusted God in her daily life and was so very blessed! Please honor her memory in the ways that are most special to you. And if you just can’t think of anything to do, a trip to the casino will suffice!