Sheila was born on June 23, 1956 in Chicago, IL. to Charles Adams and Gloria Jean Adams at MaryThompson Hospital.

As the eldest of three siblings, Sheila's childhood was adorned with beautiful memories, marked by the exploration of her gifts and talents. A serene and gentle child, she rarely cried, earning her the affectionate title of "a good baby."

The second eldest, Jerilyn Hardman, remembered her big sister as a quiet child. Jerilyn chuckles and says, "You could find her many times in her room listening to her music, entertaining herself. Sometimes I would peek in her room to see what she was doing, and Sheila would have her hands moving around in the air as though she were directing a choir." Jerilyn always chuckles when telling this story. Growing up, Sheila shined in the arts. Her summer months were filled with music; following in her grandmother's footsteps, Sheila was taught how to play the piano. Sheila would showcase her skills to her family.

Charles Adams, the youngest sibling, affectionately known as "Babyface", remembers his sister differently. As a kid, Charles was into fashion; he quickly realized Sheila was not. Charles says, "When Sheila was graduating from 8th grade I remember those white heels she didn't want to put on and that foxtail she was afraid of. She was so funny. Grandma had this foxtail. And she told Sheila to wear it, but Sheila screamed." Charles cracks up, reminiscing.

Moving from the west side of Chicago to Maywood, Illinois where she attended Proviso East High School in 1974, Sheila dived into the prayer ministry at Monument Church, under the leadership of Pastor D. Henton. Developing her gift of counseling, Sheila enjoyed praying and helping people along the way. She later moved on to SBN Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jimmy Swaggart ministry, where she continued to expand and grow in her faith.

Sheila took the skills she learned at her church and transitioned into the medical field as a Direct Support Provider, where she provided personal care assistance and support to individuals with various medical conditions, disabilities, and special needs. It was in this role that Sheila received the most joy. The owner of Joseph Rehabilitation Center, Ms. Balogun, could go on with her colorful anecdotes and praises about Ms. Adams, "If I could've cloned Sheila, I would have. She really cared about her clients and loved them. She was an awesome human."

As kind as Sheila was to others, she was also very kind to herself. Jerilyn talked to her big sister just about every day, and half of those conversations were about what Sheila bought at HomeGoods. If you didn't find her there, she was more than likely doing what she enjoyed doing as a kid, which was being alone and entertaining herself. Sheila loved to snuggle up at home watching nostalgic classical movies, putting puzzles together, listening to gospel music, or connecting with Jerilyn at Priscilla's restaurant over some soul food.

She was a loved and beloved person to many. She inspired people with her acts of service and thoughtfulness. Even though her physical body has passed on, her energy and spirit are deeply felt and appreciated by all that experienced her.

Sheila Elizabeth Adams ran her race and went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2024 at 1:58am. Sheila leaves behind her nephew Eric L. Bennett, her niece, Crystal Joy Hardman, and youngest nephew, Curtis Darrell Hardman Jr., and a host of relatives and close knit friends. Charles Adams and Gloria Jean Adams precede Sheila in death.

A memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.