Sheila Ann Berning

Sheila Berning, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, faithful Catholic, and dedicated social worker, was born on September 21, 1932, in Dallas, Texas, to Louis and Dorothy Stayart.

Sheila Ann Berning passed on October 14, 2026, at the age of 94.

Sheila pursued her education at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and Southern Methodist University before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1964. Then earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin.

In May 1960, Sheila married William B. “Bill” Berning, with whom she raised two daughters, Dorothy and Beth. In 1973, the family moved from Arlington to Temple, Texas, where Sheila would make a lasting impact on the community she came to call home.

Sheila dedicated her professional life to serving individuals and families in need. She worked in the Children’s Division at Temple MHMR and in the Adolescent Probation Department in Temple. Her career also included private practice, work with area nursing homes, service within the court system, and conducting adoption studies. One of her most significant accomplishments was founding and directing Our Lady of Angels Maternity Shelter in Temple, an organization that reflected her deep concern for mothers, children, and families facing difficult circumstances. She also volunteered with Missionaries of Hope. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Sheila received numerous awards for her social work and service to the community.

Sheila was a longtime member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church and treasured her beloved Bible study group, with whom she shared more than 40 years of fellowship. She was also a sister of the Secular Franciscan Order, living out the Franciscan spirit of service, humility, and love for others.

Sheila had a genuine curiosity about the world and the people in it. An avid reader, she enjoyed audiobooks in her later years. She loved talking with people, hearing their stories, and making connections wherever she went. She walked every day and appreciated life’s simple pleasures, including hard candy, fried chicken, and a good steak.

Travel brought Sheila great joy later in life and her adventures took her to Italy, London, Israel and Jerusalem, Panama, Spain, Costa Rica, and various destinations throughout the United States.

Following the passing of her husband, Bill, Sheila moved to Buckner Villas, where, at the age of 91, she embraced a new chapter in her life. She made new friends and enjoyed sharing dinner with them most evenings. She remained actively involved in her community, participating in the crafting group that made items for premature babies, serving on the food committee, and attending resident meetings. Even in this new season of life, Sheila continued to seek ways to contribute, connect, and make a difference. Her curiosity about people and places never faded, and her zest for learning remained a defining part of who she was.

Sheila is survived by her daughters, Dorothy Berning and Beth Mobley; her grandsons, Lucas Mahaffey and Zachary Mahaffey; her great-grandson, James Mahaffey; and her sons-in-law, William Mahaffey and Brian Mobley.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William B. “Bill” Berning.

Though Sheila will be deeply missed, her example of faith, generosity, and selfless service will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Sheila’s life will be held on November 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Temple, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Angels Maternity Shelter, an organization close to Sheila’s heart.

Donations may be made online at ladyoftheangels.org or by check payable to Our Lady of Angels Maternity Shelter and mailed to:

Our Lady of Angels Maternity Shelter 613 South 9th Street Temple, TX 76504

Donations made in Sheila Berning’s memory will honor her lifelong commitment to supporting mothers, children, and families in need.