Sheila Ann Cameron

Sheila Ann Cameron, an Air Force wife who protected the home front with humor and grit, died Tuesday, June 9, after a battle with cancer. Sheila was born in Palm Springs, California and the spirit of the Golden State remained with her through many adventures. A graduate of Palm Springs High School, Sheila moved to Denver, Colo. in 1963, where she met Air Force Lt. Allan Cameron, who would become her husband of 51 years. Over that half century, Sheila managed her household with a not-so-quiet determination, including the years her husband was deployed to Vietnam and the Middle East. She oversaw moves to six different Air Bases providing the foundational support that enabled her husband’s rise to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. In her life, Sheila was best known for her practicality, generosity and love of family - which was not limited to blood relations. She developed lasting friendships that survived her many moves with music and laughter. Sheila had a near photographic memory and a keen eye for detail, which helped her bring past events to life and keep visitors laughing into the early morning hours. Each visit or conversation with Sheila began where the last one ended, regardless of how much time had passed between them. A mother to three and mother figure to many, Sheila opened her home to nieces and nephews, cousins and friends and Colombian exchange students. She provided them a warm and welcoming home away from home to start new lives and they all became “family by heart.” Sheila didn’t hesitate to share her opinion. Anyone who thought they had a problem figured out probably hadn’t talked to her yet. More often than not, though, her practical common sense proved true and the advice was well placed. After her diagnosis, Sheila remained determined to live her final months on her own terms -- with humor and grit and liberal doses of advice. She never stopped sharing her opinion, or making sure her household ran smoothly. “Dear God, give me strength, I can’t die now,” she said at one point. “None of them know what the hell they’re doing." Sheila is survived by her husband Allan; daughters Shannon and Shea; son Sean (Connie); grandchildren Kyle (Candice) Beatty, Connor Beatty, Elizabeth and Colleen; great-grandchildren Hailee and Abigail Beatty; and brother Steven (AJ) Reilly. She is predeceased by her brother Michael Reilly. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 12th 2:00 PM at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church Street, Marietta GA 30060. Interment will be the following day at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road, Canton, GA 30114. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. You can mail, call or click on the link below to make donations in memory of Sheila Ann Cameron, Wounded Warrior Project, 3343 Peachtree Rd NE #M20 Atlanta, GA 30326. 404-974-9234 or http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Sheila Ann Cameron

June 9, 2015