Sheila Kay Howerton

Sheila Kay Howerton, a beloved mother, daughter, “Nene,” and sister, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Dallas, TX, at the age of 58. Born on October 6, 1966, in Claremore, Oklahoma, Sheila lived a life filled with love, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.Growing up, Sheila received her education at Sequoyah High School, graduating in 1985. Throughout her life, she embodied a spirit of kindness and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.Sheila was a devoted mother who instilled in her children a profound love for animals and a deep respect for nature. She taught them the importance of empathy and the joy of simple pleasures, like camping and enjoying the great outdoors, skills that came naturally to her. Sheila inherited a love for flower arranging from her mother, Nina, and continued the tradition of creating beautiful floral beds.The memories of Sheila are as rich and vibrant as her spirit. One cherished memory involves a spontaneous adventure with ice cream and backroads. Even after an unexpected encounter with a motorcycle, her quick wit and ability to find humor in any situation shone through. Sheila had many small act of care that created a lasting memory. Childhood summers were spent on paper routes in Muskogee, where she made summer memories. She also shared countless evenings filled with laughter, taco tico, and movie nights from Blockbuster.For her child, her back seat floorboard always had a box for collecting turtles in, setting them free away from the road, a tradition she learned from her own mother. It was a tradition she carried on, instilling the same love and respect for animals and nature in her own children. Sheila’s compassion extended to the vulnerable, as she frequently took in stray animals, nursing them back to health and providing them with a loving home. Her home was always filled with the comforting presence of dogs and cats, a testament to her generous heart.Sheila had a unique ability to make everyone feel safe and comforted. Her presence was a source of unwavering support, and her arms were always open to offer a warm embrace. Her walks, whether on nature trails or simply strolling through the neighborhood, were always the best, filled with laughter, conversation, and a sense of belonging.Sheila’s greatest joy came from her children. She was the proud mother of Destiny Cooper of Claremore, who shared her mother’s love for animals and nature and Dillon Nees of Claremore, for whom she was his biggest and unwavering supporter.Sheila Kay Howerton will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her legacy of love, kindness, and her connection to nature will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories woven with laughter, warmth, and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of life.