Sheila Raley Obituary

Sheila Marcine (Bowman) Raley, 83, of Eustis, Florida, completed her journey here on earth and began her new one in Heaven on November 9, 2025.

While her passing came more quickly than anyone expected, she was fully prepared and at peace, ready for whenever the Lord would say "Well done and Welcome Home."

Sheila was a fiercely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was clear in her convictions and steadfast in her purpose, living each day with deep love, grace, and intentional care for those around her.

She was well known as the consummate wife and homemaker-creating warmth, beauty, and joy in every detail of life. Sheila had an extraordinary gift for making every holiday magical, with delicious food, exquisite tablescapes, and her legendary Easter egg hunts that made everyone feel like a kid again. She delighted in themed parties, thoughtful gatherings, and wonderful shopping excursions-oh, how everyone loved to receive an invitation to one of her grand celebrations.

A gifted gardener, Sheila could grow anything. She found immense joy in tending her gardens and sharing clippings with friends and fellow gardeners. She often said she felt closest to God when her hands were in the soil-she felt she was nearest to His heart when surrounded by His creation. Her gardens were her sanctuary, where her faith and love of beauty intertwined. She created a majestic butterfly haven at her home, rescuing caterpillar eggs and nurturing them safely through transformation. Each year, she lovingly released thousands of butterflies-a living reflection of her gentle spirit and her belief in renewal and new beginnings.

Sheila was devoted to her husband, Roy, the love of her life. Married for 50 years, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and faith until his passing in 2009.

She is survived by their three children, Roy Lee Raley, Jr. (Christine) of Eustis; Sheryl Marcine Raley DeTellis (Timothy) of Eustis; and Jack Leonard Raley (Kelly) of Eustis; her siblings, Cornelia Davis of Birmingham, Alabama, and Pasco Bowman of Chipley, Florida; six grandchildren-Vincent Matthew, Richelle Lee (Emily), Luc Timothy, Kate Mallorie, Colby Jackson, and Morgan Krisanne; and two great-grandchildren, Logan George and Madalyn Marie.

Sheila was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, raised in Williston, Florida, and later made her home in Central Florida. She and Roy settled in Eustis, where they spent their later years surrounded by family, faith, and the beauty she cultivated in every corner of her home and garden.

A Celebration of Life will be held at her home church, First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, on Saturday, November 15th. A coffee reception will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donating to either the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis or the Butterfly Rainforest Endowment at the University of Florida https://floridamuseum.ufl.edu in memory of Sheila Raley

October 31, 1942 - November 9, 2025

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