Obituary of Shelia Karen Grindstaff

Shelia Karen Grindstaff, 65 of Vilas, closed her eyes for the last time February 28, 2021. Shelia was surrounded by her family when Jesus called her home. She was fierce with her compassion and kindness toward other people. Known by many, she never met a stranger. Shelia was the type of person that would give anyone the shirt off her back, asking nothing in return. She had such a free spirted personality and often referred to her Cherokee Indian heritage for her passionate outlook on life. Shelia was known in her community for her outrageous Halloween decorations and her giant pumpkins she proudly displayed. Born in Watauga County to the late Shorty and Ruby Smith, she was raised in Valle Crucis with her sister Betty. After high school, she moved to Taylorsville, NC to pursue her nursing career and became a CNA. Shelia poured herself into her patients every day, like she did her family. When she moved back to Boone, she soon met the love of her life and became the role model that generations after her looked to for guidance. Shelia is survived by her husband, Jerry Grindstaff, of Vilas; one daughter, Gail Hicks and husband, Dewayne, of Bulter, TN; one son, Otis Watson, and fiancé Kayla, of West Jefferson, NC; one step daughter, Rebecca Benfield and husband, Charlie, of Bluefield, VA; one stepson, Craig Grindstaff of Mountain City, TN; one sister, Betty Church of Valle Crucis, NC; eight grandchildren, Leanne, Samantha, Josh, Vivian, Bailey, Makayla, and Mollie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shorty and Ruby Smith of Valle Crucis NC; and her brother- in- law, Charles Church of Valle Crucis NC. She is also survived by numerous nephews. Funeral services for Shelia Grindstaff will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 4, 2021 at 1 o'clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Delmar James. Graveside services will follow in the Baird Cemetery in Valle Crucis. Friends may visit Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Wednesday morning from 11 until 4 PM to pay their respects and sign a register book. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, Post Office Box 2914, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences maybe shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Grindstaff family.