Shelia Annette Bure

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Surrounded by her precious children, our Lord and Savior called home His cherished daughter, Pastor Shelia Annette Ford Bure, September 20, 2024. Shelia, affectionately known as Lady Bure, was born to Robert Bell Ford, Sr. and Polly Mae Hootsell Ford, July 26, 1958, in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the third child of six dear siblings. Shelia always exuded a tenacious passion for life, filled with a spirit of love and joy in everything she did. Always strong-willed with unwavering enthusiasm, she was well known for her beautiful smile, gracious demeanor, caring, nurturing strength and deep love and dedication for family and community.
Expressing her love and belief in our Lord and Savior early in life, Shelia joined and was baptized at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Lake Providence, Louisiana, under the leadership of the late Rev. G. C. Carr. She later moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana and re-dedicated her life to Christ, joining Shiloh Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Albert Walker, serving as a dedicated usher and board member for ten years. She also attended Cornerstone Church, under Pastor Oscar Underwood and Mount Calvary Baptist Church, under the late Dr. Robert Nicholson. Shelia's love of the word of God and desire to pursue her calling to ministry, ultimately led her to 1st Redeemed By the Blood Church and Ministries, under the leadership of Bishop Herbert J. Coats. Shelia took pride in her many roles while serving at 1st Redeemed, especially teaching. Her most joyous and heartfelt achievement was being appointed Pastor, by Bishop Coats. Shelia was the epitome of a servant leader, a fervent prayer warrior, always exuding grace. Her greatest desire in life was to aid and comfort others. She was a devout and loyal member of her church and an active and faithful servant, ardently ministering, until God called her home.
Prior to moving to Fort Wayne, Shelia received her early education in Jackson, Mississippi. Later moving to Louisiana, she graduated from Lake Providence High School in Lake Providence, LA in 1976. She was a very active cheerleader and band member, delighted to become the second female drum majorette in the history of the school. After graduation, her love for adventure and travel, led her to become a proud member the United States Army. She received her initial training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Fort Ord, California. She was officially stationed and served in Germany and other countries throughout in Europe. Shelia enjoyed a fulfilling and productive career while serving our country. She was an outstanding soldier, receiving numerous commendations. When she returned home, she served and worked at the Mississippi Army National Guard Headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi. These roles well prepared for her next steps in life.
After moving to Fort Wayne, Shelia's strong work ethic, leadership style and love for learning led her to continue her education. She received her Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Indiana Institute of Technology and Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Tech University. Over the years, Shelia worked in various positions, her longest tenure being the property manager at Hickory Creek Apartments, for over twenty years. She was very proud of this role as it allowed her to display her amazing servant heart throughout the community.
Shelia was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Polly Ford and her sister Sharon Ann (Joseph) Wray.
She leaves to cherish her memories her beloved children: Brandon Mitchell Terry and Bianca Monique Terry; three brothers, Robert B. (Loretta) Ford, Jr., Chicago, IL, Scott C. (Sherry) Ford, Terry, MS, Mitchell K. (Rema), Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Gloria J. Miller, Jackson, MS; eleven adored grandchildren: Faizon Terry, Carlton Mayne III, Caitlyn Mayne, Brandon KT Terry, Kharrington Terry, Serena Logan, Kyaliya Terry, Khemoni Terry, Cameron Watson, Kharma Terry, and Khayoir Terry; two greatgrandchildren: Zaniyah Terry and Faizon Terry; dearest nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So do not be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27
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