Dr. Shelia Dianette Dowell-Celestin

March 27, 1954 – February 13, 2025
With profound sorrow, yet with gratitude for a life well-lived, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Dr. Shelia Dianette Dowell-Celestin, a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, proud great-grandmother, dedicated educator, and passionate community leader. She transitioned peacefully on February 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and scholarship that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Dr. Celestin was born on March 27, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Geraldine Naomi Oliver and Clarence Dowell. She was baptized at a young age at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church where her faith became the foundation of her life's work. She attended L.B. Landry Senior High School where she was an active student leader, involved in numerous clubs, and proudly served as the captain of the cheerleading team.
After graduating in 1972, she married the love of her life–Oliver Celestin Sr. with whom she built a strong and loving family. Their union was blessed with three wonderful children–Kateri Celestin-Williams, Kaneesha Celestin-Jones (Quincy Sr.), and Oliver Celestin Jr. Her joy expanded with the birth of her five grandchildren–Terrance Williams Jr. (My'Raia), Quincy Jones Jr., Quinn Jones, Oliver Celestin III, and Sanaiah Celestin, as well as three great-grandchildren–McKenzie Williams, Terrance Williams III, and Milani Williams.
A lifelong learner and advocate for education, Dr. Celestin pursued higher learning at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at SUNO, she became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, through the Zeta Theta Chapter, later joining the graduate chapter Rho Pi Omega where she remained an active and engaged member. Her commitment to academic excellence led her to earn a Master's Degree in Environmental Biology and Toxicology from Southern University in Baton Rouge and a Doctoral Degree in Environmental Science from Jackson State University. Furthering her expertise, she completed Post-Doctoral studies in Environmental Science at Florida A&M University, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to research and scholarship.
Dr. Celestin dedicated her career to education, teaching, and mentoring students at Fischer Head Start, several Orleans Parish Schools, Southern University at New Orleans, and Florida A&M University. She was passionate about fostering educational opportunities for all, using her expertise and leadership to uplift others.
Her impact extended beyond the classroom as the founder of the Building Our Own Survival Team (BOOST) Foundation through which she spearheaded numerous programs benefiting youth, families, and small business owners. Through BOOST, she sponsored afterschool and summer programs at Fischer Elementary, the Belle & Beaus Youth Debutante Program at St. Stephen Baptist Church, and "Coats for Tots" for Algiers schools. She also played a key role in the Graduate Advisor Support Council for Rho Pi Omega, organized weekly community food giveaways at St. Stephen Baptist Church, awarded college scholarships to high school students in Jefferson and Orleans parishes, hosted economic development forums for small business owners, partnered with Fischer Community Church for annual toy giveaways, and used community outreach tickets to provide youth with opportunities to attend NBA games and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
Dr. Celestin's legacy is one of compassion, empowerment, and unwavering service. She was a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her work has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit of generosity, wisdom, and grace will live on through her family, friends, sorority sisters, students, and the many people whose lives she touched.
Rest, Dr. Shelia Dianette Dowell-Celestin. Your light will never fade.
Dr. Celestin is survived by her husband–Oliver Celestin Sr.; mother–Geraldine Naomi Oliver; children–Kateri Celestin-Williams, Kaneesha Celestin-Jones (Quincy Sr.), and Oliver Celestin Jr.; five grandchildren–Terrance Williams Jr. (My'Raia), Quincy Jones Jr., Quinn Jones, Oliver Celestin III, and Sanaiah Celestin; three great-grandchildren–McKenzie Williams, Terrance Williams III, and Milani Williams; and her younger siblings–Charlotte Collier (Willie), Stefon Oliver (Delphine), Kyle Oliver (Maggie), and Jay Oliver (Shelmetha).
She was preceded in death by her father–Clarence Dowell; brother–Gerald Smith Sr.; and beloved family members–Rozena Oliver and Lloyd Oliver.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral service on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Fischer Community Church, 1737 L.B. Landry Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70114
Rev. James N. Brown will officiate.
The Visitation will be from 8:00 AM until the time of service.
The Interment will follow at Woodlawn Park Memorial Cemetery, 9820 9 Mile Point Road, Westwego, LA 70084.
Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.