Shelia Timmons Utes

Shelia Timmons Utes, aged 69 years, went to be with her Heavenly Father on April 11, 2026 surrounded by those who loved her most.  Shelia was born at Crawford W Long Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA on May 13, 1956 to Israel Odell Powell and Dorothy Frances Powell. 

A woman of intense backbone and strong character, Shelia lived a life of example for her children and those who loved her.  Blunt and to the point, Shelia never minced words and was known for her directness, strength, and hard-working nature.  She drew great joy from camping with her husband Don and spending time in the outdoors with him along with caring for her many indoor plants and outdoor gardening. She loved all things related to the ocean, NASCAR, and her dogs & other pets. But most importantly, she loved her children, grandchildren, and family.  

Shelia lived and loved intensely, knew extreme joy and pain, successes and disappointments, and the love of good people and friends in her life. She never was one to impart the important lessons of life in words...Shelia simply lived her beliefs and invited others to either accept her as she was or not.  A woman of intense loyalty, consistency, hard-work, and commitment - the testimony of her life will be remembered as one who always kept going, even when the world would try to keep her still. 

Shelia is preceded in death by her parents and former husband Raymond Lanier Timmons.  

She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Don Utes; son Shannon Dell Mandeville (spouse Ashley), daughter Shayna Leigh Buffum (spouse Craig), daughter Dana Sheree Lancaster, daughter Tamrah Lynn Mandeville Pehrson, son David Utes (spouse Desiree) and son Jeremy Utes (spouse Ana).

Additionally, Shelia witnessed 18 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren enter this world, and was preceded in death by one grandchild.

Of great importance to Shelia was her relationship with her two sisters Glenda Dell Thompson and Vickie Gail Braswell, both of whom survive her passing.

A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Mr. Shannon Mandeville will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Hightower Cemetery in Lumpkin County. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

Send online condolences to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com 

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