Shelia Elaine Oates Joplin, born Jan. 23, 1958, to the late Carliss Oates Carroll, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 27, 2014. Shelia confessed hope in Christ at an early age, was baptized and served as a lifelong member of the Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church of Florence, Ala.
She was married to the late Larry Joplin, and to this union, the Lord blessed them with three children. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Jennifer Joplin Rushing (Troy) of Florence, Ala.; and two sons, Damon Jerome Joplin of Killen, Ala., and Brad Elliott Joplin (Nakema) of Northport, Ala.
If you knew Shelia, you know that she dearly loved her ten darling grandchildren, Meagan, Daymen, Peyton, Darion LaDrake, Dayjia, Nicholas, Draylon James, Brianna, Desirae, and Jaceonna; one sister, Gloria Oates Robinson (Derrick) of Florence, Ala.; aunts, Ruby Martin, Betty Shamblee and Jeannette Armond: uncles, Simon Oates and Charles Oates; nephew, Geoffrey Robinson (Kym); niece, Jazmine Robinson McDaniel (Theo); and eight cousins who were reared with her as siblings, Larry Oates (Lee); Wesley Martin (Kaye), Linda Martin Robinson (Fred), Janice Martin Johnson, Gary Martin (Cindy), Ricky Oates, LaWanda Oates Epps (Alex), and Marchia Oates; two special friends, Rosie B. Southern and Lula M. Oates. There are many other relatives and friends who are saddened by the loss of such a dear family member and friend. She will be remembered as one who deeply and unconditionally loved her family, a giving person who would share whatever she had with anyone in need.
The funeral service for Mrs. Joplin will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2014, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Florence, Ala., with Bishop Will Boyd, officiating.
The body will be placed in the church at noon.
Burial in Nazereth Cemetery, Barton, Ala.
Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday.
Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florence, Ala.
