Sheila Vernon Leary

Sheila Vernon Leary

RALEIGH - Sheila Ann Vernon Leary passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in Greenville, NC following a sudden illness.

Born September 3, 1932 in Chester, UK, she was the daughter of the late Nancy Vernon Bateman and William Arnold Vernon. She was the former wife of the late Jack Leary. Sheila's survivors are her daughter, Vicki Leary and grandchildren Alexander and Gabriela Dwyer (Raleigh); son, Roddy (Suzi) Leary (Edenton) and grandchildren Matthew Leary (Edenton), Ryan Leary (Raleigh), and Sarah Leary (Greenville); and many nieces and nephews. Sheila is also survived by her sister, Joan Heck, of Indiana; half-sister Janet Broster (Harry), cousins Robert Stephens (Emma), and Stephen Ball (Kathy), all of the UK; and cousin Kelvin Stephens (Belgium).

Growing up in World War II England, Sheila was profoundly affected by its politics and personalities. Resilient, she survived the many hardships of life in a war-torn country and never lost her joy for living. After the war, Sheila met and fell in love with a handsome GI, Jack Leary, at the American Air Force Base at Sealand in Wales near Chester. Following their courtship, they married in Edenton and were then stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Later, the couple returned to Jack's home in NC to put down roots, start a family, and eventually build Leary Plant Farm, Inc. Sheila designed and managed Leary Garden Shop and was known for her creativity and community service.

First a member at Rocky Hock Baptist Church, Sheila later joined St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She was devoted to her children and happily participated in their many activities at school, at church, and in the local community. She was active in local civic organizations, including the Edenton Woman's Club, the Garden of Eden Garden Club, the Edenton Pilgrimage of Historic Homes, and Edenton Little Theater. She received the distinction of Club Woman of the Year for the Woman's Club.

The next part of Sheila's life took her to Toronto and Vancouver (Canada), Charlotte, and Kill Devil Hills (NC) with her second husband, Terry Gannon. At the Outer Banks, she became a successful real estate agent and broker at several agencies. She eventually founded and operated her own real estate company, Dream Coast Realty. She enjoyed her life in the Colington Harbour community, where she was active in the Colington Yacht Club.

Sheila was generous and kind to all sorts of people, but especially to foster kids whom she and her husband hosted for lengthy periods of time in their home. She was ready with advice and support for anyone who was down or lost. She was a people person and developed friendships easily. She was fun-loving and had a passion for conversation, politics, dance, gardening, and the Tenors. She was devoted to her family, friends, and her little dog, Tosher. She could not be called ordinary. She loved fiercely.

A memorial service will be held at noon, Sunday, March 6, at Colington United Methodist Church in Kill Devil Hills, NC, led by Rev. Theresa Holloway. A Celebration of Life will follow for friends and family.

Flowers are welcomed at the church, or donations in her memory can be made to Outer Banks Hotline Crisis Intervention and Prevention Center www.obhotline.org.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staffs at the intensive care units at Vidant Medical Center in Edenton and in Greenville and the palliative care unit in Greenville.

Arrangements by Smith Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenville, NC. Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithfcs.com.

As published in The Daily Advance