Mandred "Mandy" Abshire Sheetz

Mandred Abshire “Mandy” Sheetz devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, civic volunteer, gardener, and creative cook, passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 103.

Daughter of Ovie and Philomena Broussard Abshire, she was born July 12, 1922, in Kaplan, Louisiana and was the eldest of six children. French was her native language and learned English when she started school.

Mandy met her late husband, Francis Bond “Frank” Sheetz, Jr, while he was stationed at Camp Hulen near Palacious, TX during WWII, just before he was shipped overseas with the 10th Army Headquarters. They were married in the Army Chapel on September 5, 1943, just thirty days after they met. The Army shipped Frank to Okinawa then to Korea. During his absence, Mandy lived with Frank’s parents in Jacksonville Beach, FL until his discharge from the Army. At that point, the two of them returned to Atlanta, GA so that Frank could finish his college education by earning a BA and BS in Architecture from Georgia Tech. In 1950, they moved into the house that Frank designed. She and Frank were married 79 years.

Her life was her family. In addition to sewing all the clothes for her three daughters when they were young, including winter coats, she was a great cook and an avid vegetable and herb gardener. Mandy’s Cajun recipes were always a big hit with her eight grandchildren. Cooking was Mandy’s way of expressing love to her family.

Her civic contributions consisted of membership in the Rabun Gap Nacoochee Guild (President), the Atlanta Music Club Guild, the Architect and Engineer Auxiliary, and the Cherokee Women’s Golf Association (President). She also was a Chairman of The Lovett School’s Fashion Show.

Mandy is survived by three daughters, Deirdre A. Sheetz, Danna Sheetz Aiken (Richard), and Dale Sheetz Aiken; eight grandchildren, Lillian A. Jenkins (Danny), Marshall F. Aiken, Michael A. Wilson (Lesley), Jason W. Aiken (Rachelle), Jonathan C. Aiken, Andrew C. Aiken (Ashley), Traver A. Aiken (Amanda), and Mandy A. Crawford (Chris); and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will celebrate Mandy’s life at a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 3098 St. Anne’s Lane, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.