Sheila Anita Shelton-Burks was the third of four children born to Abraham Jr. and Shirley Shelton on April 29, 1962, in Jamaica (Queens), N.Y.
During her childhood, she attended kindergarten at P.S. 123 Q and first through eighth grade at Saint Clement Pope Roman Catholic School. She attended Forest Hills High School in Forest Hills, N.Y., and this venture was full of drama. She subsequently graduated from Delhanty High School, Jamaica, N.Y., in 1980.
After marrying and giving birth to twin daughters, the family moved to Camp Lejeune, N.C. While living in Jacksonville, N.C., Sheila attended Coastal Carolina Community College. The family later moved to Virginia Beach, and Sheila continued her studies to obtain an associate’s degree in liberal arts. She worked at the Norfolk Naval Base in the Department of Defense (Spawar) as a systems analyst for 27 years and personal confidant to all who needed one. Virginia Beach was her home for more than 30 years.
Sheila was a 16-year charter member of the Central Alabama Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. She held several vital positions within the club. Sheila also played an active role with mentoring the youth at Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. She would often volunteer to cook her world-famous waffles, which some would say were better than those served at IHOP. Sheila had a long list of hobbies; which included, writing poetry; writing in her diary every morning to thank God for how he has blessed her; reading; writing speeches for her family, friends;assisting others with preparing income tax returns; and, again, being personal confidant to all in need. One of her favorite hobbies was vacationing with her family.
Sheila had participated in the Deloris D. Mayo Walk for a Cure for the past four years. She enlisted family and friends who became known as “Sheila’s Warriors.” Each year, she was recognized for registering the most participants to walk on her behalf. Sheila was extremely grateful to all who made up her support system.
In the evening hours of Tuesday, February 9, 2016, the soul of Sheila Anita Shelton-Burks took flight home, finding freedom from an earthly house and all the cares of this life. Being unable to continue in this body, she leaves in God’s care: her identical twin daughters, Atisha and Latisha Burks; parents, Abraham Jr. and Shirley Shelton; sisters, Sharrell Haygood (Bernard), and Sherry Harrell (Lawrence); her brother, Sean Shelton (Nicole); little “sister,” Doreen; three nieces, Keeyanna, Brianna and Samantha; and a nephew, Keehlan.
She also leaves behind her super special Aunt Laura Shelton-Carr, with whom she conversed daily; brothers from other mothers, Gerrold Walker II and John Murdaugh; most special sister, Melissa Landrum, who has been by Sheila’s side throughout her illness; special sisters, Phyllis “Sunshine” Atkins, Flora Witherspoon, Glenda Glenn, Maria Reekstin (Godmother), and Sandy Mendez-Reekstin (Godsister); Sheila’s adopted son, Dwayne Hassell, and his sister, Tammi Hassell-Blot; and loving neighbors, Butch and Shirley Roberts, who were so important in Sheila’s life. She also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, friends, and all of you attending this service who have accompanied her on her journey.
As a single parent, she did an exceptional job of raising twin daughters; Atisha, the oldest, who is a director of financial reporting & policy for the U. S. Department of Commerce; and Latisha, the youngest, who is a dedicated high school teacher and specialist here with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
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