Sheila Diana Lackey

Sheila Diana Lackey, 55, of Pell City, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer on Sept. 23, 2022.

Born April 23, 1967, in Ocala, Florida, to Eastman McIntyre and Joyce McIntyre (Evans), she was raised in Ocala as the youngest of eight brothers and sisters brought together through Eastman's marriage to Levean McIntyre (Hall).

Sheila lived many years in North Pole, Alaska, with her husband of 36 years, Jeffrey. With an adventurous spirit and intellect to match, Sheila excelled as a business owner, florist, poet, and artist (and a thousand other things). She loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and tolerated moose hunting. The eternal optimist, she always looked for the best in any situation and would constantly encourage her husband to do the same, with varying degrees of success. Her beauty would light up a room, but her humor and charm would keep it warm. The strength she showed during the long struggle against her illness was awe inspiring to the family and friends that knew the pain she endured.

She was always willing to provide a shoulder to cry on or a warm hug. Her compassion for family, friends and even strangers always gave comfort and Sheila's natural gift for listening made her the first call for many burdened with troubles. Her spirit left a positive mark on the hearts of all that knew her and will live on forever.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eastman McIntyre, stepmother, Levean McIntyre, and mother, Joyce Auer. She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey, of Pell City; daughter, Tandi Marth; grandchildren, Chloe and Zephyr of Fairbanks, Alaska; sisters, Carolyn Hansen (Mike), Kathy Richardson, Cheryl Hall; brothers, Danny McIntyre (Vicki), Ferron Hall (Tammy), Kenny McIntyre (Mary Ann), Bobby McIntyre (Virginia); nephew, Coty Hansen (Ashlyn); niece, Violet Guthrie; and many, many other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in Ray City, Georgia, at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a cancer research charity of your choice.