Sheilah Johnson Kirkland

February 5, 2015

Sheilah Johnson Kirkland, 58, of Bainbridge, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2015 at her residence.

Sheilah was laid to rest on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Bethany Baptist Church. Rev. C. O. Thompson officiated the service.

Sheilah was born July 26, 1956 in Bainbridge, the daughter of the late Lucius Johnson and Shirley Nell Heard Johnson, and the loving mother of Will Kirkland.

A lifelong resident of Bainbridge, she was the owner and operator of Dazzle Jewelry and More and was a bus driver for the Decatur County School System for more than 20 years. Sheilah was a free-spirited, loving, and giving person who enjoyed tending to her plants and flowers. She was passionate about her animals and offered a home to those without. Her love of travel resulted in many wonderful vacations spent with her mother, family, and friends. Her love for people was displayed by her willingness to help others, especially the elderly and people with special needs. She was very involved at Open Arms Ministries.

Survivors include her son, William Austin Kirkland of Bainbridge; her siblings, Debra J. Bennett of Bainbridge, Martha Anne King and her husband, Steve, of Bainbridge, and Eve Yarbrough and her husband, Sebe, of Americus, Ga.; her close cousin, Becky K. Powell; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Hannah Rae Kirkland.

The family of Sheilah would like to thank everyone involved in helping them cope through this difficult process. They feel truly blessed to have such a caring and compassionate group of family and friends.

Ivey Funeral Home handled the arrangements.