Shelia A. Alvis

Shelia Ann Alvis was born to the late Jessie Mae Alvis on May 5, 1948. Her mother later married Acie Clifford Foster and to that union two daughters, Patricia and Brenda were born.

Born in Cleveland Ohio, Shelia was educated in the Cleveland Public School System and was a proud Alumni of East Technical High School's "Mighty Scarabs." Fiercely independent, Shelia went to work as soon as she was old enough. Her first job was with The Independent Towel Company as a contractor. In 1966, she took a job with Highland View Hospital and stayed with that organization as it merged with Metro Health. During her tenure with Metro, Shelia worked in various departments, the last one was the mail room as a messenger. She was well known by hospital administration as well as with the local AFSCME where she was once a union steward. She was known as "the mouthpiece" and you did not want to get into a debate with her. Shelia retired from Metro Health in 2009 after 43 years of excellent service.

Shelia accepted Christ as a young adult and was baptized at Assembly of God Church under the late Rev. Willie Judy. She was a member of Open Door Baptist Church under Pastor Franklin and she attended Baptist Bible Institution where she studied for a Masters in Bible Diploma. She was unable to complete the course due to illness. Shelia loved the Lord and was well versed in the bible and its teachings. She talked with God every day and he truly was the head of her life. She used the scriptures in her everyday walk and when she offered advice or provided support to her family. In 2005, she joined Bethany Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Stephen Rowan where she attended worship service and Bible Study faithfully until her health began to decline.

Her hobbies included music, dancing, shopping and designing. She wore all the latest fashions. She shopped at exclusive stores such as "The House of Nine" and "Casual Corner." When her girls were born, she shopped at less expensive stores, but you couldn't tell the difference.

Shelia's family meant everything to her. She often told us her job was to make sure that her daughters were OK and to prepare them for her absence. Her eldest daughter Chanette sadly and unexpectedly transitioned in 2000. With God's grace Shelia and Sherri raised Justin. Shelia and Sherri were devoted to each other for all her life. In 2008, she welcomed her grandson Collin, and he quickly became the center of her world.

Shelia peacefully answered our Lord's call on Sunday January 30. Waiting to welcome her was her mother Jessie Alvis, her grandfather Samuel Alvis, her daughter Chanette Alvis, her sister Brenda Foster, her uncle Israel Alvis, her aunt Lucille Owens, and her cousin Gerald Dessausure.

She leaves to rejoice in her life her daughter, Sherri Alvis, her adopted daughter Carla Dunton and Terri Ramos, her grandsons Justin Alvis and Collin Lewis. Her sister Patricia (William) Adkins, nephews Charles Foster, Robert (Linette) Foster, Anthony Foster great nephews Charles Jr, Robert Jr. Cousins Barbara (Silas) Spikes Terry (Joyce) Dessausure, dear friends Candy Rivers, Loretta Williams, Deborah Thompson, and co-workers from Metro Health and a host of other friends.