Sheila Hannah Burgess

Sheila Hannah Burgess, a cherished member of her community and a beloved family matriarch, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at CarePartners Hospice in Asheville, North Carolina. Born on February 18, 1950, in Haywood County, Sheila was a lifelong resident of the area, where she embodied the warmth and spirit of Southern hospitality.

Sheila dedicated her professional life as a Tag Agent with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles in Canton. However, her true calling was as a devoted homemaker, where she created a nurturing and loving environment for her family. Sheila's deep love for the Lord and her family was central to her life, influencing her every action and decision.

Sheila leaves behind her loving husband of 50 years, J.C. Burgess of Canton. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and supported one another through every season. Sheila is also survived by her daughters: Noralynn Gudger and her husband, Jared of Weaverville, and Allison Reece and her husband, Daniel of Lawton, Oklahoma; her son, Josh Burgess and his wife, Kellie of Canton; her niece, Renee Kuykendall and her husband, David of Canton. Additionally, she is survived by two sisters, Linda Cathey and her husband, Marcus of Canton, and Judy Forbes of Maggie Valley; one brother, Steve Hannah and his wife, Debra of Canton; and nine cherished grandchildren, who were the light of her life, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Sarah Moore Hannah, who instilled in her the values of love and compassion that she carried throughout her life.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Allen Blanton officiating. Burial will follow at New Cruso Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:45 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. 

As her loved ones gather to celebrate her life, they will remember Sheila not only for her unwavering devotion to her family but also for the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her. Her legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing her.

The care of Mrs. Burgess has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.