Life is a Gift from God; “thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift”. Sheila Koala Gladden Tunstall, 72, transitioned this life on August 30, 2020. She was born in Asheboro, NC, the eldest child of Clinton Leroy Gladden, Jr and C. Lucille Isley Gladden on September 16, 1947. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband George William Tunstall; She was also predeceased by her son and grandson Ondra Martinelli, Sr. and Ondra Martinelli, Jr. and siblings; Polly, Alice and Jim.

“To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”. Affectionately known as Sheila T., she knew the Lord and He knew her. Possessing a powerfully attractive personality, she was a model Proverbs 31 woman – a caring wife, a successful entrepreneur, a loving mother and an enlightening grandmother. She loved family celebrations and parties of any type. She never met a stranger and was the life of any party often sharing infectious laughter reflective of her appetite to live, love and laugh.

Professionally, Sheila T. was a retired cosmetologist who loved the artistry in cutting and coloring to produce a beautifully coiffed hairdo. After years of providing instruction to emerging stylists, she applied her business acumen to launch salons in both North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia. Additionally, she was an avid fisherman from which she derived great peace and relaxation for more than six decades.

She is survived by daughters; Dannellia Banay (Kelvin) of Virginia and Martina Belinda of North Carolina; she leaves behind sisters Sheena (Buddy), Ceila (Michael), Dellayno (Nicolas), and Dolly; along with Brothers Throne (Glenda), Tomocka (Ann), Clinton (Katherine) and Antonio; her legacy continues with ten grandchildren: Sterling, Whitney, Channing, Kala, Kiana, Tyreek, Morgan, Kelvin II, Nigel and Zachary; along with eight great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles of whom Uncle Sal held a special place in her heart. Additionally, she leaves behind a long-time friend and companion, Henry Crews.

If Sheila T. was to offer any guidance to us from the great beyond, it would be similar to that which she shared with her Granddaughter Morgan and Sister Della only days before her passing – “It’s time for me to go and I am ready; make sure you live each day as if it’s your last.”