As the only girl, Sheila spent countless hours of fun with her three brothers, Eugene “JR”, Cecil and Andre. Additionally, she was a daddy’s girl with a beautiful head of hair and a perpetual smile on her face. At an early age, she was baptized and later joined Israel Baptist Church in Washington, DC and frequently visited Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church with her dad and Aunt Cheryl.
Sheila attended DC Public Schools. She was a Roosevelt Rough Rider and graduated from high school in 1980. In January of 1982, she joined the US Army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany for six years until honorably discharged in 1988. Sheila worked for over 22 years in the Federal Government as a Program Manager/Project Manager, Information System Management Specialist, Management Analyst and Printing Specialist. She retired in 2012 and became a devoted caregiver to her mom alongside her brother, Eugene.
The happiest day of Sheila’s life was July 12, 1997 when she and Maurice Tillman welcomed their daughter, Brianna LaDon Tillman, into the world. She adored Brianna, her little “Pumpkin Face.” Her favorite past-times with her daughter were spent in the park, swimming, going to the movies and amusement parks, throwing hotel kiddie birthday parties and talking about boys. Through the years, as their relationship matured, they continued to share a precious mother-daughter bond. Their time spent together was filled with “girl” talks and making future plans.
Our Sheila was sassy and always had something funny to say. She honestly had no idea how hilarious she was. A straight shooter, there was “no filter” with Sheila. She was very outspoken and had no problem telling you exactly how she felt. However, you might not understand her unless you “spoke Sheila.” Sheila spoke so fast that sometimes only Brianna could translate for her. Sheila was affectionate, loved family and especially loved her birthday, so much that she would tell you precisely what to get her for her special day. She loved history and watching documentaries. She had a passion for fashion and loved shopping, especially for rings and purses. Cooking was one of her favorite past-times. She enjoyed preparing and delivering meals to her dad and Mom Hattie on special occasions, as well as preparing delicious meals requested by her mom. Sheila spent several hours with her mom every evening watching her mom’s favorite TV shows, especially “Family Feud.”
On June 9, 2021, Sheila slept peacefully away...into glory. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Brianna LaDon Tillman; her mother, Josephine Dunston; her father, Eugene Allen Dunston (Hattie); three brothers, Eugene Dunston, “Jr.”, Cecil Dunston (Ashaki) of Charlottesville, VA, Andre Dunston (Cherye); great-aunts, Annette Brown, Mary Wiggins; aunts, Clara Bradshaw, Ruth Johnson, Patricia Dunston, Brenda Willis of Houston, Texas, her devoted aunt and best friend, Cheryl Willis; one nephew, Cecil, Jr. “CJ”; five nieces, Danielle, Lirah, Tabitha, Destiny, Mikayla; two special friends, Pebble Randolph, Florence Purdie; a host of cousins and friends.
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