Shelia McKissack

On March 18, 2024, Shelia Wilkes McKissack, of Nashville, TN, was peacefully called to her Heavenly Home.

Shelia Wilkes McKissack was born March 6, 1957, in Nashville, TN, to the late James Wilkes, Sr. and the late Margie Woodard. Shelia attended Metro Davidson County Schools, where she graduated from Maplewood High School. She majored in Accounting at Tennessee State University. She loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind and professed her love for Him at an early age. Shelia showed her adoration for God by worshiping and thanking Him for His goodness, mercy, provision, and favor. She faithfully attended church and served on the Usher Board. 

Shelia retired from Tennessee State University after 35 years of outstanding service, dedication, phenomenal work, countless accomplishments, great success, and extraordinary impact on others. She was often the go-to person who modeled and delivered exceptional service to her colleagues and students. Students frequently expressed gratitude to Shelia for assisting them in their collegiate endeavors. 

Shelia was a devoted walker and jogger, walking 3-5 miles daily. She was also a masterful cook who prepared Sunday and holiday meals to perfection. Shelia cherished her family and cared for her nieces and nephews as if they were her children. She was altruistic and showed compassion to members of her community.

Shelia Wilkes McKissack was preceded in death by her parents, James Wilkes, Sr. and Margie Woodard, and brothers, James Wilkes, Jr., John Woodard, and Charles Woodard. Left to cherish her memories are her devoted sisters Barbara Wilkes and Senwee Bradley (CA), devoted nieces Dyana Bradley, Camaiya Hylick, Malia Bradley, Carletta Hylick, and Raven Bradley, dedicated nephew, Austin Hylick, devoted great nephew, Caleb Bradley, cousins Lizette Wilson and Dee Dee Wilkes, devoted life-long friend Mary Otis, along with a host of dear nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.