Sheila Marie McGlothlin, 58, passed away at Mary Washington Hospital in
Fredericksburg, VA on July 6, 2021. She spent her final days visiting with loved ones and passed with her sister and brother-in-law by her side.
Sheila was born on December 18, 1962 in Fort Leavenworth, KS to John and Ruby McGlothlin. From the moment of her birth it was clear that she was special. Born with Down's syndrome, doctors expected Sheila would not live past the age of six, would never be able to roll over, would never be able to feed herself, would never be able to sit up on her own, and would have an immense impact on her family. All of these predictions turned out to be inaccurate with the exception of the last. The impact that Sheila had on the lives of those around her was profound.
Sheila was a teacher. She spent her life teaching everyone around her about persistence, graciousness, gratefulness, and a virtue she sometimes struggled with herself, patience. Although she had no speech, her gentle pats on the back and lengthy, sometimes inescapable hugs said so much more than a simple "please," "thank you," or "I love you."
Sheila enjoyed many passions in life including music, dancing (there was no better partner), swimming, animals, and wheelchair pushing with the Special Olympics. In 1983 she graduated from the Kilmer Center in
Fairfax, VA and went on to work with Central Fairfax Services for 24 years.
Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruby McGlothlin, her brother Gary McGlothlin, and her nephew Gary (GJ) McGlothlin Jr. She is survived by her sister and caretaker Kay (Katie) Yarrow, her brothers John (Pat) McGlothlin and Edward (Ted) McGlothlin, eight nephews, and one niece. She will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her parents.
Interment details will be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sheila's name may be made to Cause 4 Paws to help save the furry friends she loved so much.
Cause 4 Paws
P.O. Box 301
Locust Grove, VA 22508
https://www.cause4pawslocustgrove.com/donations/