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.”
The Gladden family is blessed because Sheila is ours. I thank God for my Cousin Sheila. She was truly one of a kind. When she met my husband, Herbert, she looked him up and down and said, "There goes my future ex-husband." I couldn't do nothing but laugh. She was a lovely mess who will be missed by all who knew her. Love to all, TC & Herbert.
We are truly sorry for the loss of Sheila. She was a dear classmate to her fellow classmates of 1965 at Randolph High School. They all were like sisters and brothers. We all send our condolences. Prayers for the entire family during this sad time. Larry (Bim) Brooks - classmate wife (Hazel)
Peace and comfort to the family. A class mate. Elizabeth
May you rest with our Father in eternal peace. Lovely Mother and will be missed by many. Love you Danny.
Mother Yolanda Johnson
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal!Our deepest condolences to the family. Lovingly, The Flints, Robert,Cynthia, Aisha and Brandon.
Ms. Sheila once told me while playing Bid Whist in Round Rock Texas, "If I tell you a Duck can pull a Truck, Hook it UP! Now get up from my table". We Love and will miss your realness. Vincent K. and Cyndi Greene
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11:25,26. Offering my condolences. Lifting the family up in prayer. Minister Aretha Booze
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15 Rest in the arms of our Lord my beautiful cousin. We will see you again in our heavenly home. Love,cousin Gretta
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15 Rest in the arms of our Lord my beautiful cousin. We will see you again in our heavenly home. Love,cousin Gretta
I would like to offer my condolences to the family. I met Mrs. Sheila on several occasions in Virginia and she has a beautiful spirit. May she rest in eternal peace.
Dee Hunter
Ladene Hayes
My cousin Sheila was always a big source of laughter, humor and fun at our family reunions. I have many pictures of her fond memories. Rest in Peace Sheila. God's peace and the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with the family.
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