Sheila J. Ortiz

I n L o v i n g M e m o r y of our mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Sheila Ortiz, who
passed away on November 18, 2022, after her battle with multiple myeloma. During her final
days, she was surrounded by those she loved.
Sheila was born in Huntsville, Alabama, on November 9, 1958, to Thomas and Camille Bailey.
Shortly after, they moved to Boston, MA where Sheila was raised. Shelia graduated from
Newton South High School and later continued a career in Early Childhood Education. She
supported the family business as a head teacher at two of Camille's daycare centers. Sheila
married Angel Ortiz and then had her only daughter, Chiffawn.
Sheila was a loving, kind, caring, and giving person who always put the needs of her family
before her own. She was thoughtful and generous and made sure that her family and friends
had what they needed. She was just that person who would be there no questions asked.
Sheila was also hilarious. When you think of Sheila, you think of someone who had such a
wonderful sense of humor. I am sure we all have our "Sheila" stories of moments when she
made us laugh until we cried. Her laugh was so contagious and bougie at the same time (y'all
know)
She had the perfect balance of being compassionate, down to earth, and a diva at the same
time. Who does that – Sheila Ortiz. She was always put together. Whether she was going to
the store, visiting a friend or attending a function – you always knew Sheila was going to come
out all the way together. There was no other way.
Most important, Sheila loved Jehovah. She was a woman of strong faith. She never missed
her conventions or assemblies and was always ready to study with her friends and family for
spiritual support. She made Jehovah her way of life and was faithfulright down to the very
end. She was able to pass on her spiritual inheritance to her daughter. Sheila and Chiffawn
had such an unbreakable bond because they were able to serve Jehovah "shoulder to
shoulder".
Her second greatest love, indeed, was her daughter Chiffawn, aka "Fawn". Sheila loved herself
some Fawn - with everything she had. She was always there for Chiffawn, listened and loved
without judgment and would show up for her without questions asked. She was fiercely
protective of her "girl" (ya'll know). She loved Damon and believed in him. Sheila loved her
granddaughters, Diamon and Cheyenne and had a way of loving and keeping them in line like
they were her daughters. Sheila didn't play. She loved hard and would discipline just the
same way - we loved that about her. And her last pride and joy, her boisterous granddaughter
Akira. She enjoyed taking care of her when she was still healthy enough to do so. And we
cannot leave out Lexi, Sheila's beloved dog who was by her side to the very end.
Sheila was that way with everyone that came into her life. She was always there for us. She
adopted those who were her friends, and she chose them as her family. You could meet
Sheila for the first time, and she would make you feel like you belonged to her and with her.
She took people in – into her heart and into her life and never let go of you. Sheila had such a
big heart and she loved spending time with those she loved.
We thank all of you for your calls and cards, your texts and emails. We thank you for
supporting us in all the ways you have shown us love before and after her passing.
Agape
Chiffawn & Damon Johnson
Nelson & Diamon Rodriguez Philip, Cheyenne & Akira Lafond
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