March 5, 1933 – September 25, 2024
MANTEO — It is with deep sadness that her family announces the passing of Sheila (Shy-luh) Lee Tucker, (nee Carner) on the early morning of Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the age of 91 with her daughter Linda at her side. Sheila was born on Sunday, March 5, 1933. As it was the Great Depression, many families with newborns left the hospital in debt, but not Sheila. One of her favorite stories to tell was about how her dad sold his golf clubs to pay for her birth. Sheila was the only child of Augusta Velma Carner (nee Gruhn) and Robert Charles Carner and was by all accounts a daddy’s girl. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to the Outer Banks in 1970. She lived in Colington, Manns Harbor, and finally Manteo. Sheila had five biological children—David Zeigler, Leslie Zeigler, Kevin Zeigler, Michael Ellis, and Linda Campion (nee Ellis)—and one adopted daughter, Rose Cunningham (nee Tucker).
Sheila will be remembered for many things, but perhaps the three most representative of who she was are: her love of dogs, her work ethic, and her spark. Over the course of her life, she had 14 dogs—(in order of oldest to most recent) Lucinda Lee, Brandy, Gee-Gee, Chanel, Serendipity, Jeb, Mama, The Baby, Bridgette, Lena Horne, Jenny, Molly, Bette Davis, and Ava—along with a cat (Turkey) and birds (Ringo and Georgia), among many other animals. Sheila was one of the most impressive fundraisers for the Coastal Humane Society, collecting more than $25,000 over the years. It was often said she loved dogs more than people, so much so that a couple of her grandchildren lovingly called her “Doggie Grandma.” A nickname she kept until the end.
Another hallmark was Sheila’s work ethic. She often worked several jobs not only to make ends meet, but to keep busy and active. She worked as a waitress, laundress, dental assistant, administrative assistant, hotel clerk, vegetable clerk at Cahoon’s (which she loved!), and veterinary assistant, to name a few. She also served Dare County as a volunteer EMT (in the early Outer Banks days) and at Hotline. She cared for those who needed it.
Finally, Sheila will also be remembered for her spark. She was certainly a force of a woman. Sheila was independent and lived alone until the end to prove it.
As an advocate for knowledge and literary escape, Sheila loved to read. She was the leading patron of the Manteo Library, of that we are certain. She kept notebooks of books she read with personal evaluations of each. She maintained lists of authors she liked and would cull through the newspaper or ask the librarians when those authors would be publishing a new book. We are so thankful to Sophie and Jade for always answering her calls and for delivering books to the house if she was unable to make the trip. She enjoyed the last selections you made for her, telling us all about them.
Sheila is predeceased by four of her children: David Zeigler, Leslie Zeigler, Michael Ellis, and Rose Cunningham. She leaves behind a family who misses her greatly; Linda Campion (daughter), Emily Campion (granddaughter & Jonathon Thompson, Emily’s partner), and Michael Campion (grandson); Sarah Denby Smith (granddaughter & Brett Smith, Sarah’s husband) and Jackson Gregory (great-grandson); and Heather Estanol (granddaughter), Alexa Estanol (great-granddaughter), Kyle Estanol (great-grandson), and Josie Estanol (great-grandson); and Ava, her constant companion and friend. Because we know people will wonder, Ava will continue to be pampered by the family.
Sheila also leaves behind a community of friends who she loved dearly and loved her back. We thank you all for what you did for her to make her life, and end of life, more full: Gloria and Sharon, her best friends with whom she shared many adventures and laughs and a lot of love for more than 30 years; Mary for her daily calls, conversations, friendship, love, and laughs; Patsy for her care, eating ice cream cones together and laughing their way through Piggly Wiggly on shopping days; Barbara who helped her maintain a beautiful garden that she was very proud of, and took her on rides to see the horses; Kathy B for loving her, making her laugh, and helping her get to appointments; Kathy H for keeping her informed about her church community; and Debbie and Rob for embracing her into their family fully. There are many others who loved Sheila that we have not named for the sake of space, but please know we are so grateful for the love and friendship you gave her.
A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held in the future. We will announce it in the paper so you can plan to attend.
Mom, as you and I talked about as you drew your last breath, it’s time for a new adventure. I hope you’re horseback riding and “feeling the wind” with all of your dogs. Thank you for all you’ve done for us, your friends, and, especially, for the animals. ….’Well done, good and faithful servant.’ (Matthew 25:23).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Sheila Tucker’s name to either Coastal Humane Society, address is PO Box 1331, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 or you can donate online: https://obxcoastalhumanesociety.org/ OR Manteo Library, PO Box 1000, Manteo, NC 27954.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
