Mrs. Shelia Fay Wood

Born on July 14, 1946, in Abilene, Texas, Shelia was the cherished daughter of the late Commie Alfred Crow and Bonnie Lee Crow. A bright and accomplished student from an early age, she was an honor student at Wichita Falls High School where she participated in Team Class, the Latin Club, the school newspaper staff, and Goal Post Decorators.

Shelia continued her education at Midwestern State University where she earned a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics in 1967, completing her studies in only three years with the assistance of a Veterans Administration scholarship. While at Midwestern, she was a member of the Praetorianettes drill team and was honored as a nominee for Senior Woman of the Year. She later pursued graduate studies at East Carolina University.

While attending Midwestern State University, Shelia met the love of her life, Jim, in a Principles of Economics class. They married following graduation in 1967 and built a remarkable life together grounded in unwavering devotion, partnership, faith, and love. Through military assignments during Jim’s Army career and later throughout his corporate leadership roles, Shelia was the steady heart of the family and an extraordinary partner in every season of life. Their marriage of nearly six decades was marked by loyalty, laughter, resilience, tenderness, and a deep commitment to one another.

Shelia embraced her role as a devoted Army officer’s wife and later as the wife of a corporate executive with grace, intelligence, and exceptional hospitality. She created homes wherever life took their family, each one warm, welcoming, elegant, and filled with love. She possessed a remarkable gift for decorating and design, helping friends and family alike create homes that felt comfortable and beautiful.

Above all else, Shelia was a loving and devoted mother. Having experienced the loss of her own father at a young age, she was determined that her daughters would experience every opportunity she could provide. She poured herself into their lives — driving to lessons and rehearsals, sewing costumes, accompanying choir performances and voice recitals on the piano, encouraging creativity, and making certain they knew they were deeply loved. Music, faith, kindness, beauty, and perseverance were woven into everyday life in her home.

Her daughters remember waking each morning to hearing her sing “Good Morning to You,” and carrying with them her gentle but memorable reminder: “No whining.” The family home was filled with the comforting aromas of home cooking, perfume, fresh decorations, and the sounds of piano music. Christmas was especially sacred to Shelia. She lovingly created magical celebrations centered on family, faith, and generosity, including reading the Christmas story from the Bible each Christmas Eve, baking sugar cookies, Snickerdoodles, and Santa Whiskers cookies, hosting gatherings, and searching tirelessly for the perfect gifts for those she loved. Her homemade dressing and legendary apple pies became treasured family traditions.

Shelia faithfully served her churches through the years, particularly in music and children’s ministries. She accompanied children’s choirs on the piano, supported youth programs, and later served at Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte on the Flower and Bereavement Committees. She also volunteered as a tutor through the Jackson Park and Rama Road after-school programs.

A woman who truly never met a stranger, Shelia possessed a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Whether through a handwritten note, a long phone conversation, a warm meal, or a comforting visit, she quietly ministered to countless people throughout her life.

Shelia was deeply involved in civic and historical organizations, including serving as a founding member, Vice President, and President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the North Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution. She also served as a hostess during the National Congress in Winston-Salem and received numerous recognitions for her service. In addition, she was a member of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Chapter of the North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Additionally, she volunteered with the Charity League of Charlotte, supporting fundraising efforts that benefited children including her favorite event of the annual Christmas Bazaar.

In later years, Shelia especially enjoyed traveling with Jim, including trips to Europe, Paris, cruises, and cherished family beach vacations. Though she could not swim, she loved the peace and beauty of the water. Even during her long journey with Alzheimer’s disease, she remained remarkably positive, maintaining her gentle spirit, beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, and infectious laugh that lit up every room.

Shelia will be remembered for her gracious Southern spirit, unwavering kindness, elegant presence, deep faith, and extraordinary love for her family and friends. Her gentleness, warmth, laughter, hospitality, and servant’s heart left an unforgettable mark on all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, music, beauty, resilience, and enduring love that will continue through the lives she shaped so deeply.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Wood; her daughter, Courtney Picha and son-in-law, Chris; her daughter, Sloane Long; along with loving cousins, dear friends, and all those fortunate enough to have been welcomed into her life and home.

The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, May 19, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel: 10500 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, May 21, at 3:00 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church: 4921 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Providence Baptist Church, your local church, or a favorite charity.

Condolences may be shared through McEwen Pineville Chapel at