Remembering Shelia Diane Johnson-Archie

Written by: Teammates Elease Turner and Elaine Jones-Connor

Have you ever been called unforgettable? We had a life-long Emanuel County citizen many have described as unforgettable. She was Shelia Diane Johnson-Archie, who transitioned to be with the good Lord in August. We have reviewed information about her, collected memories and tributes from her family, childhood friends, and coworkers. Let’s start at the beginning; Shelia was the third oldest of five children of Mr. Allen Johnson, Sr. and Mrs. Clara Bell Colbert Johnson. She had an “indescribable” love for her parents! Shelia considered her mom as one of the strongest women she knew. Her dad taught her so much through the years and she cherished their bond. Her dad, Mr. Allen Johnson Sr. said, “Shelia was always an obedient child, and I never had any major trouble out of her. She made sure I was taken care of before and after her mother had passed away. If I needed anything, she never hesitated to go out of her way to make sure I got it. I am blessed to have had such a lovely and wonderful daughter. I am also delighted that she left behind three of the greatest grandchildren that any grandfather could have asked for. I will miss you dearly and until we meet again…Love, your father.”

Shelia’s younger years were at Summertown Elementary School. Then on to Swainsboro High School for great experiences which included many things: cheerleading, track and field, basketball and other extracurricular activities. Shelia loved people and made friends (some came, some went) throughout high school. One cousin, Cora Brown, became more like a sister because of their closeness. Cora wrote, “Shelia did a lot of wonderful things for people and never asked for anything in return. When my sister was ill, she was always there every morning with a breakfast from the hospital for her. She was just that kind of a person! When my niece was ready to give-up on life and God, Shelia talked with her through everything that was making her feel as though she had nothing to live for, I sat there and cried like a baby. Shelia was so compassionate and patient with her. I learned a lot that day myself, even though she was not talking to me. She had so much love to give and she gave it to everyone she knew. That is one blessing she did not ask for but was bestowed upon her. That is why good always came back to her.”

Then there was Jackie Polan, since childhood, they were the best of friends. Jackie said, “My sister was very loving and caring to anyone she met. Shelia loved giving her first and last. Everyone asked me to only write a few lines, but I could write a book. To everyone, live by love and prayer! To my sister and family, Shelia was always by my side through good times, bad times, sad times, and sad times.” Another was Annette May, who became one of her best friends because they were two of a kind. Their friendship never wavered. Forever loved and best friend, Annette stated, “Shelia had a great love for family, community, team spirit.” These great memories stayed with Shelia throughout her life.” After high school, she went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University. A few years later, Shelia married Alexander. They welcomed a beautiful baby girl (Alexandria, nickname-Zan) who Shelia loved and affectionately called her backbone. Alexandria said, “Mom, life is not the same here on this earth without having you around. I truly miss arguing with you about doing the right thing, but you always end up doing whatever you wanted to. You reminded me that you were the one that gave birth to me. I miss coming home from work, in the evenings, eating some of your delicious cooking. I also miss the random phone calls throughout the day, checking to make sure I was okay. Most of all, I miss your unconditional love you showed me, the whole family. I am thankful you were always one phone call away whenever I needed you-Your Oldest Child.”

Four years later, a very energetic, baby sister came along, who kept everyone on their toes. Brittany stated, “Mama, words can’t describe how much I miss your presence, sense of humor, and everything you have done for me. I cherish the conversations that we had daily and the quality time we spent with one another. I know there were times we would have disagreements over simple things like what we were eating for dinner. I always loved that at the end of the day, you realized I wanted the best for you. I will always love you and you will always be in my heart until we meet again-Love, Your Baby Girl.”

In the fall, Shelia started working at Emanuel County Head Start in Oak Park, Georgia. She worked there for many years and enjoyed every minute of it. Shelia deemed it a pleasure to teach her very first class, work with some of the most wonderful ladies, and treated all her students like they were the apple of her eye.

Many years later, they welcomed their miracle/genius baby boy (Alexander, nickname-Zae). Alexander writes, “I miss your beautiful smile, kind wisdom, and positive spirit. You were the strongest woman I have ever known. I truly appreciate all the love and support you gave me throughout my life. Thank you for always being there no matter the occasion. You always had an open ear no matter how busy you may have been. I loved and admired how you remained positive no matter what obstacles life had thrown your way, Words could never describe the amount of love I will always have for you, and you will always be “My Warrior”-Love always, Your Miracle Child.” Plus, a professional blessing came when Shelia was promoted from teacher to director. She felt blessed to have great people and great memories during her time as director. Shelia remained in that position until she retired.

Other loving memories/tributes of Shelia: “Ma Shelia, as I called her, held a very special place in my heart and contributed to many special moments in my life. I have a strong bond with Zan and Brittany; therefore, Ma Shelia was always giving us advice when we were younger or laughing at some of the cray things we did! No matter what, we knew she had our backs and encouraged us to always stay close as cousins. I didn’t realize that going to see her during the 4th of July weekend would be my final time laying eyes on her in the flesh. I am so glad that I stopped by to offer my support to my cousins and to wrap my arms around Ma one more time. She smiled, talked, and asked about my family. Of course, we laughed…that’s what I will miss the most! Laughter was always present whenever I visited their house! My bond with Zan, Brittany, and Zae will remain forever because Ma made sure we knew that family is everything! May she forever rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord!” Submitted with love, Cherri Harrison-West

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“Aunt Shelia was the epitome of a true “auntie.” I t was never a dull moment with her. She was loving, funny, smart, but most of all, she was a real one. The times I spent with Aunt Shelia were pleasant and fun! She would always let me know she was there if I ever needed her. One quality that stood out about my beloved aunt was the fact she was always the same whenever I saw her. It did not matter who was around. One of my favorite memories was when she started dancing at her surprise birthday party! She said, “come on niece, I betcha can’t drop it to the floor like me!” Her beautiful smile matched her beautiful heart. I was so blessed to have her as my aunt.” Forever Loved, Truly Missed and NEVER Forgotten, Dr. Tiffany Lee

Thierry Miley: “Ms. Shelia meant so much to me. From the first day I met her, she was such a joyful person to be around. Ms. Shelia was very easy to talk to and did so much for me and my wife. From day one she treated me very well. I will always be thankful for that. I will always miss her and love her.”

Maeola Edwards: “Shelia will truly be missed by me and the rest of our family. I could always count on her to come whenever I needed her. She would lend an open ear whenever I was alone and needed someone to talk to. I am going to miss the countless hours that Shelia and I spent together as well as hours on the phone. I loved her so much! She will always have a special place in my heart.

Roma (Archie) Marion: “Shelia Archie was a great mother to her children and her family. Whenever there was a crisis in the family (death or sickness), Shelia and her children were some of the first ones to give their support. I will always remember the fun times me and my sister-in-law had together. Shelia will truly be missed.”

“My name is Chloe Colbert and Shelia was my cousin. There are quite a few memories of her as a child. I loved coming to her house because she always had some type of animals around. Coming from Atlanta, we didn’t have chickens and goats running around in the yard. One of my favorite memories of her as a child was…One day, I was out playing in the yard and stepped on the biggest ant pile! I SCREAMED, Shelia came outside and ran to me. They picked me up and brought me inside the house. Shelia put me in front of a box fan and rubbed alcohol on my feet and legs where I had been bitten. In my eyes, at such a young age, you could not convince me for years that she wasn’t in fact the Hero that saved my life! When it was all over, Shelia cursed out everybody (my dad included) for letting me play outside alone. She will forever be remembered as a FIERCE, LOVING, and protective mama bear.” With Infinite Love, Chloe Colbert

In honor and memory, The Johnson-Archie Family will be presented with a plaque of their beloved Shelia by the 1973 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Region AA Girls State Track & Field Championship teammates. She played a major role (shot put and discus) on Swainsboro High School’s first integrated athletic championship team. Teammate Yvette Roberts-Mercer stated, “Shelia was a great friend and am amazing athlete. Her devotion to friends and family alike was unmatched. I will always admire the athletic versatility she displayed throughout her career in sports. She was a key contributor to the 1973 girls state championship track & field team and the 1975 girls state runner up basketball team. Shelia’s legacy in Swainsboro will never be forgotten. She will forever live in our hearts.”

Teammate Karen Wilson-Faircloth wrote, “Shelia was a sweet girl. She always had us laughing! I know Shelia was a good athlete and student, I, also, know Shelia worked hard and it paid off. I’m sure this world was a better place because of her.”

Teammate Sheryl Harris-Howard said, “With much love, my memories of Shelia takes me back to us playing at her cousin’s house (The Browns) on the Hike! She always had a warm and caring spirit but was straight forward with everyone who knew her, As Shelia and I entered high school, we participated in basketball, track and field. She was a great athlete and a person of integrity. Shelia will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Shelia! Your legacy lives on through your children!”