January 13, 2023, 72, Goldsboro –
Sheila Ann Smith Stafford, 72, stepped into eternity and was greeted by her Lord and her loved ones who had finished their course on Friday, January 13, 2023. Sheila was born in Wayne County to the late Malcolm Earl Smith and Reba Ginn James on July 24, 1950. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dwight Smith, mother-in-law, Annie Ruth Stafford, nephew, Phillip Adcock, and great-nephew, Joshua Adcock.
Working with the city of Goldsboro as the Assistant Finance Director, Sheila offered thirty-five years of dedicated service to her community. Following her retirement from the city government, she continued to work an additional ten years with Gateway Transit in Goldsboro.
Experiencing the smell of salt air, the touch of a gentle breeze, and the sights and sounds of waves crashing on the beach put Sheila in her happy place. With a good book in one hand and a Diet Mountain Dew in the other, she was all set for the most enjoyable time.
Though the beach often called her name and gave her great contentment, nothing compared to the time she was able to spend with her family. Ordinary events were a celebration for her if it meant spending time with her family, especially if her grandchildren were part of the gathering.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Sheila’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Black Jack Original Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Franklin Lane officiating.
Sheila is survived by her husband of 54 years, Doug Stafford; daughters, Tiffany Stafford Boseman and Ashley Stafford Allen and husband, David; grandchildren, Skylar Boseman, Mallory Reed, and Weston Allen; step-father, Frank James; stepbrothers, Danny James and wife, Jessie, Michael James and Brian James and wife, Robin; step sisters, Rhonda Ludwig and husband, Mike and Lori Moss; sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn & Wayne Adcock; and a special aunt and uncle, Brenda and Wilson Sauls.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Community Home Care & Hospice of Goldsboro for their excellent care during Sheila’s final days. A special thanks to her aid, Carol, and nurse, Crystal.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to
Black Jack O.F.W.B. Church
341 Black Jack Church Road
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
