Sheila Jean Cooper Montiel

Funeral services, led by Dr. Neil Epler, Frazer Church Associate Pastor and Minister of Congregational Care, will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Leak-Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, Alabama. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Pallbearers for the graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery will be Hunter Bobo, Christopher Brannon, Ashley Cooper, Kenneth Montiel, III, Sean Montiel and Joseph Reese, Jr.

Sheila was preceded in death by the love of her life, Kenneth F. Montiel, Jr.; father Willard Herman Cooper and mother Eunice Jean Cooper; brother Willard Lee Cooper; father-in-law Kenneth F. Montiel, Sr. and mother-in-law Margaret Montiel.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters Vivian Henderson Bobo (James), Julie Henderson Davis (Lester) and Kimberly Montiel Carter (Woodrow “Bubba”); son Kenneth F. Montiel, III (Lynn); sister Louise Cooper Tatum (Ed); grandchildren Hunter Bobo (Landon), Sean Montiel, Seth Montiel, Baylee Carter Watts (Jacob), Logan Carter and Berklee Carter; great-grandchildren Bradon, Ella, Lana, Harlee, Jake, Brylee and Ryland; and a host of very special nieces and nephews.

After marrying Ken in 1981, Sheila moved to Mobile, where they lived for almost 33 years until Ken’s passing in 2014.

Sheila retired from the U. S. Marshals Service after 20 years of service as an Administrative Officer. She loved her job and she and Ken enjoyed a special bond with her coworkers. They also were close to their family and friends in Mobile, as well as members of Christ United Methodist Church. After Ken’s death, their support was instrumental in sustaining her through that loss, and they continued to point her to the Source of her strength, Jesus Christ.

After moving back to Montgomery, Sheila received that same support from members of Frazer Church, as well as family and friends. Before her illness, she enjoyed traveling, dancing, and volunteering in the community. She nurtured her lifelong love of learning, with a particular concern regarding the proper use of the English language.

Sheila was a light to all who knew her. Her incredible smile could light up any room. She loved deeply and did everything she could to make sure others knew how much they were loved. God blessed her with a strong and resilient spirit which helped her during the hardest times of her life. As the Lord drew her closer to Him through those hard times, her desire to please Him became her number one goal. She left us a bright, strong and clear example of a life well lived and a faith that has now made her a part of the “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on as we run the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1).

The family wishes to thank John Knox @ Home and Ivy Creek Hospice for the excellent care they provided to Sheila during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which was very dear to Sheila’s heart, or Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.leak-MC.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Montiel family.