Shelia Denise Watson Lassiter

In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 4:17 a.m., Shelia Denise

Lassiter peacefully transitioned f rom this earthly life to her heavenly home.

Shelia Denise Lassiter, daughter of Catherine Revell Watson and the late Howard

Watson, was born July 25, 1961, in Smithf ield, North Carolina.

During her childhood, Shelia attended Lee’s Chapel A.M.E. Church in Selma, North

Carolina, and Red Hill United Church of Christ in Clayton, North Carolina. She

accepted Christ, was baptized, and remained a faithful member of Lee’s Chapel

A.M.E. Church, where she served in many capacities, including Steward, Trustee,

Usher, Church Secretary, Lay Organization member, and Missionary. Her faith and

commitment to serving her church and community remained an important part

of her life.

Shelia was a loving and caring person who believed in comforting, encouraging,

and supporting others along life’s journey. Her warm and compassionate spirit

was evident in the many lives she touched.

A 1979 graduate of Smithf ield-Selma Senior High School, Shelia was an

outstanding track athlete and member of a relay team that earned several

conference championships. She continued her education at Johnston Community

College, earning an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies in 1993, and later

earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice f rom North Carolina

Wesleyan University.

Shelia dedicated 31 years of service to the North Carolina Department of

Commerce, Division of Employment Security. Her f inal position was Program

Coordinator II in the Benef its Integrity Unit. After more than three decades of

committed and professional service, she retired on January 1, 2025.

Shelia also had a special gift for writing. In her quiet time, she wrote about family,

life experiences, and the people and moments that touched her heart. Over her

lifetime, she wrote more than one thousand poems, leaving behind a treasured

collection of her thoughts, memories, and reflections.

Above all, Shelia cherished her family deeply, especially her daughter

,grandchildren and her dear f riend Tim Nicholson. Shelia was a true “Shadow

Warrior,” quietly working behind the scenes, providing wisdom, guidance,

encouragement, and unwavering support whenever needed. She understood her

passion and purpose in life and lived it through faith, family, service, and love.

She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Watson, and her beloved sister,

Dr. Shawanda Lynett Watson.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving and devoted mother,

Catherine Revell Watson, Selma, NC; her daughter, Shenise Lassiter; three

grandchildren, Younique Lassiter, Madison Speights, and Tristan Speights; two

brothers, Gerald Watson (Janet), Selma, NC, and O’Shay Watson (Patrice), Upper

Marlboro, MD; nieces and nephews, Alana Lester (Ty), Shaylin Watson, Dimitri

Watson, and Juwan Watson; one aunt, Christabelle Harlee, Clayton, NC; and a

host of special cousins, other relatives, and dear f riends.

Although Shelia’s earthly journey has ended, her poems will continue to tell her

stories, her family will carry her love, and her life will remain a testimony of faith,

strength, service, and devotion