Sheila Wilkinson Williams

1926 - 2020

Sheila Wilkinson Williams, age 94 of New Orleans, passed away in North Carolina on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 surrounded by her children. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert Milton Williams, her father, Hugh Miller Wilkinson Sr, her mother Dudley Wilson Wilkinson, her brothers Hugh Miller Wilkinson, Jr. (late Gloria), James Wilkinson, III (late Jean), John Fletcher Bosworth Wilkinson (Susan) and her sister, Leila Wilkinson Scheyd (late Bill). Sheila is survived by her three children, Wendelin (Wendy) Williams Dunado (late John) of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Sheila (Tot) Williams Beyer (James) of Arden, North Carolina, and Leila Elizabeth Williams of Dallas, Texas. And by four loving grandchildren (Katherine Beyer Evans, James Colin Beyer, Eric Wilkinson Beyer, Madelaine Rose Dunado), and one great grandson (Williams Connor Evans). She was a beloved aunt and great aunt to numerous nieces and nephews who loved visiting at her home on the Lakefront. Born January 21, 1926, Sheila was a lifelong resident of New Orleans living off West End Boulevard, Bayou St. John and then Lake Vista for the past 65+ years. She was a graduate of Sophie B. Wright and attended Loyola University. An active parishioner of St. Paul's Episcopal Church since the early 50's she was a frequent member of the Alter Guild, among other church activities and groups. An active member of PEO International, she treasured the friendships developed there in her later years. A member of the Orleans Club, Society of the Colonial Dames and Daughters of the American Revolution, she valued history and was an avid supporter of New Orleans and Louisiana historical efforts and organizations. An amateur genealogist she loved researching and reading family history and records. She had a lifelong passion for opera which began as a young woman when she was a member of the New Orleans Opera Society Chorus and in her later years enjoyed Metropolitan Opera live at the cinema. Many family events were spent celebrating around the pool with extended family and friends. She had a love of reading, gardening, nature, and animals of all kinds. Neighborhood kids climbed the fence and asked "is this the house with the zoo?" as she was always rescuing something. Watching Saints games without her won't be the same. She was loved and cherished by many and her smile and sweet nature will be forever missed. Sheila had been enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of the North Carolina mountains with family since March. She passed due to complications resulting from a stroke in late May. Her death was not Covid related. We regret that due to the pandemic, the traditional service and interment will be delayed until a later date. Details will be provided when confirmed. In lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org/donate or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at give.bcrf.org.