Sheila Stanton
Requiescat in Pace
March 24, 1963 - August 31, 2025
Remembering a life well-lived
The St. John's family is mourning the sudden death of much-loved member who lost her life in a tragic car accident. We gather here to honor and remember the life of Sheila Stanton, a beloved member of our community who touched the hearts of all who knew her. Sheila's memory will live on in the countless lives she influenced with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering spirit.
Scroll down to read more about Sheila.
Sheila Francine Stanton
March 24, 1963 - August 31, 2025
Sheila Francine Stanton, age 62, a beloved figure of Kirkland, Washington, sadly left our world on August 31, 2025, after a life richly lived in service and kindness. Known for her selfless service to many communities, Sheila was a beacon of light and hope, touching lives through many avenues.
Preceded in death by her natural parents, Katherine Flake and Melvin King; adoptive parents, Alred and Annie Laura Sims Stanton; niece, Katherine E. Prince, and leaving a legacy through son, Patrick Allen Bell; granddaughter, Ava E. Bell; sister, Havely Denise Stanton Prince - Birmingham, AL; uncle, Samuel (C.J.) Flake - Everett, WA; aunts, Elzada Lofton - Seattle, WA; C. Tasmiya King-Miller – San Francisco, CA, Edna Monifa Willekes – Decatur, GA and Dr. E. Dashanaba King a/k/a Queen Mother Dunenyo 1st Republic of Ghana; niece, Avis L. Prince – Birmingham, AL; nephew, Joshua C. Prince – Birmingham, AL; and a host of beloved family members and a vast community of friends.
Sheila confessed Christ at an early age and baptized into the body of Christ at First Metropolitan Baptist Church – Birmingham, AL, the late Reverend Henry Hicks, pastor, and later became a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church – Kirkland, WA.
She attended Riley Elementary School and was a class of 1981 graduate of Wenonah High School – Birmingham, Alabama; matriculated at Washington State University.
Sheila was employed as a Bailiff at the Washington State Court of Appeals for 24 years; was appointed to the African American Commission by Governor Bob Ferguson and was serving her second term. She organized the inaugural Kirkland Juneteenth celebration; and has provided leadership for the Community Dinner Program, a partnership between St. John’s and the IMAN Center; and she also was a member of the Emerald Gardens Restaurant Family, and Fraternal Order of Eagles – Kirkland Aerie #2681.
Sheila’s memory will be a guiding star for all who knew her.
Vigil of Lament and Comfort for a Grieving Community
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Thank you for joining us for this dedicated time and space for community members to gather and collectively acknowledge the sudden and tragic passing of Sheila Stanton. The vigil provided an opportunity for the community to come together and mourn collectively, supporting one another, and remembering that we are not alone in our grief.
Following the vigil, we participated in a guided discussion facilitated by Greg Malone, a licensed therapist and minister with 30 years’ experience helping communities and congregations process traumatic loss. This time of conversation offered each of us the chance to express our pain and grief in ways that could be heard, witnessed, and received by the gathered community in helpful and healing ways.
Our hope is that we can move forward in a way that allows us to honor and celebrate Sheila’s life more fully during the upcoming service on Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m.
Please continue to keep Sheila’s family and all those mourning her in your thoughts and prayers.
Please share your memories, thoughts, and tributes for Sheila in the comments below.
Your words of comfort and remembrance will provide solace to her family and friends during this difficult time.
The pain I feel is immense, but find comfort in knowing that my sister is resting in the arms of the Savior. She always nurtured looked out for me. Our entire childhood is filled with fond memories! We always dressed alike and loved to answer for each other when our parents would call our names. I tagged along after her and got on her nerves when she became older, but she always allowed special time for me when all of her friends left. She was an amazing big sister who would eat my vegetables for me as long as I gave her my koolaide. I remember the day she left after graduating high school. I knew my life would forever be changed! I missed her but quickly learned that she would stay in touch and that having a big sister across the country would be a blessing! We could travel to visit each other!
Rest my dear sister! Your journey is complete. I’ll see you again. I love you, eternity!
Sheila my dear sister... Such an amazing and wonderful soul, always there for people, always so full of enthusiasm and community. You will be SO very missed. Truly irreplacable. Your life will be remembered by everyone you touched.
My last time conversation with Sheila was me asking her in distress how I should turn people down. The simple and powerful way she vivaciously demonstrated to me was to unequivocally say "Thank you, but No". This lady of strength taught me a truly unforgettable lesson of treating people with dignity during a community dinner, and to this day I still use that as a mirror to reflect my superficial, vanity-ridden ego. I hope her sudden passing will always act as a bang on my head from the lord in the years to come, so that our brief encounter does not flit away in vain, this beautiful soul may rest in peace, and that her spirit will be carried on as part of us, manifested in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
I first met Sheila along with her sister Havilah, when they came to Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood, around 45 or 50 years ago. I was already friends with their Aunt Outsaida and little Steve. Sheila was always very pleasant, yet outspoken about her feelings or opinions. My sister Caprice and I was very fond of her and we quickly became very good friends. Sheila stayed many years in Seattle, had a son and later moved to Kirkland. We continued to keep in touch throught the years,and it is shocking to here of her passing. Sheila will greatly be missed. My condolences to her son and her family.
Condolences to the whole family. Dearest friend/sister/BFF. I'm truly heartbroken about the loss of you. Sheila. We go away back 35 years. You have always been a good friend like a sister to me. I will miss your laugh our laughter together. I'll miss your daily bible verses of encouragement, support and love. So many loved you. You, my dear friend. Will be forever missed and loved. Heaven truly has another angel. We love you, she she. Enjoy Heaven.😇💔🧡 love, Monie
Dearest Sheila, you were my very first friend when I moved to Kirkland, WA. Your love for community was so inspiring and I am forever grateful for you instilling the importance in me. From community dinners, events to Juneteenth co-planning, I am so proud to have worked alongside you in service. Thank you for always showing up. Incredibly thankful for our recent visits in August. I love you, Sheila. I wish I could be there in person to hug you goodbye, but I know you understand why I can’t. You can rest now, my friend. Until we meet again,
Malini Wilkerson
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of our sister Sheila Stanton.
We are thankful for her service to and support of community. Sheila helped advance our mission; her efforts created positive change for people across Washington state.
She was a colleague and friend with whom we were blessed to share time and space. Her note worthy contributions to the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs will not be forgotten. Sincerely, Ed Prince, Director.
My name is Shannon Bain. She was my best friend. I moved to illinois 5 years ago and attended Juneteenth 2 years ago. I am devastated. When she didn't text me I was worried. Thank you Patrick for letting me know. Prayers for you and your family. She was a beautiful star in my life even far away. I will miss you beyond words