Sheila Kelley, age 72 of Florence passed away Friday, January 3, 2024. She was born on January 19,1952 in Franklin, TN.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harmie and Maria (Marie) Morrow.
Survivors are her loving husband of 47 years, Gary Kelley; daughter Amber Kelley Meadows (husband Kenny); son Jade Kelley (wife Sarah); granddaughters Cecilia (Ceci), Isla, and Quinn; sister Sandra Hardin (husband Bob); and niece Vanessa Grigsby.
Sheila brought joy, warmth, and love to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the beauty of a generous spirit. Whether it was through her family, her work, or her community, Sheila found countless ways to uplift those around her and fill their lives with joy and meaning.
For over 30 years, Sheila was the proud owner of Gift Baskets & Memories in downtown Florence. She took heartfelt pride in personally crafting each basket, paying close attention to every detail, and ensuring that each item was carefully chosen and arranged to perfection. Her husband Gary, who also doubled as her delivery boy, often heard her remind him not to let it tip over, carry the baskets from the bottom and don’t touch the bow to make sure they arrived the way she prepared them. Sheila’s gift baskets were more than thoughtful gestures—they were expressions of her love and compassion, thoughtfully crafted to comfort, encourage, and celebrate.
Sheila’s care for others extended beyond her business and into her church community. As the Chairperson of the Bereavement Committee at First Baptist Church, Sheila and the entire team were a source of solace and support for grieving families. They offered comfort in the form of home-cooked meals, ensuring that those facing loss felt surrounded by love during their most difficult times.
At the heart of Sheila’s life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who radiated joy and love in all that she did. Sheila’s mornings were filled with cheer and purpose. Whether it was talking to her daughter Amber every day at the same time to share laughter and stories or waking early during visits with her son Jade’s family to spend quality time reading to her granddaughters and cooking them breakfast, Sheila’s mornings were a gift of time and love to those she cherished. Her granddaughters will always remember the special morning moments they spent with her, and her daughter will forever treasure their daily conversations that began each day with joy.
Sheila and Gary were a team in creating lasting memories for their family and friends. For years, Saturdays in the fall were spent at Auburn University, the alma mater of both Jade and Amber, where they hosted tailgates filled with food and laughter. They welcomed their son’s and daughter’s friends as if they were their own children, becoming second parents to many and embodying the spirit of generosity and love that defined Sheila’s life.
Sheila’s smile and laugh were as radiant as her spirit. Her friends and family will always remember how her presence filled every room with warmth and positivity from her genuine love for life. Whether it was through her dedication to making others feel special, her comforting meals, or her boundless enthusiasm for mornings and togetherness, Sheila leaves a lasting and unforgettable impression on everyone who knew her.
In all that she did, Sheila radiated light and love. She shared her joy and kindness freely, inspiring those around her to do the same. Her legacy of love will live on in the hearts of the countless lives she touched.
Friends, family, and all who knew Sheila are invited to join in a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 11th from 12:00-2:00pm at First Baptist Church of Florence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to make a donation to St. Jude or your favorite charity.
