Shelia (She-Dee) Denise Johnson was born April 30, 1961 in Monroe, Louisiana to Johnny Pitts and Josephine Walker. Shelia is the second of six children; four girls and two boys.
Shelia’s childhood years were spent in Oak Ridge, Louisiana. She attended Ridgeway Elementary School. Shelia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Freddie Smith. Shelia became a member of the Old Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Oak Ridge under the leadership of the late Rev.Frank Moore. Shelia was a member of the Children’s choir and Junior Usher Board.
At the age of 13, the family moved to Los Angeles, California where Shelia attended Edwin Markham Jr. High in Los Angeles, later graduating from David Starr Jordan High School in 1979 also in Los Angeles.
Shelia is the mother to three boys. Her oldest son Cedric Bowen was born in 1982. In 1985, Shelia met the love of her life, Wayne Mantigault and from this union Wayne (“Lil Wayne”) and Samajai Mantigault were born.
She enjoyed traveling, music, sports and reading her Bible daily. She also loved caring for not only her children and grandchildren but other children as well. One of the most rewarding moments for her was sitting in the stands to watch her son Cedric play professional college football.
Shelia worked as a Customer Service Assistant for Rite Aide Pharmacy for 13 years until her health began to fail. She continued reading her Bible and praying every day until December 18, 2014, when Shelia enteredinto eternal rest.
Preceding Shelia in death was a niece Carolyn Weathers and her favorite Uncle, Green Johnson, Jr.and maternal grand parents Elvira and Green Johnson, Sr.
Shelia leaves to cherish her loving memories Wayne Manigault, the love of her life; her children: Cedric (Kimberland ) Bowen , Wayne (“Lil Wayne”) Manigault and Samaji Manigault: her father Johonny Pitts, her mother Josephine Walker, Stepfather Joseph Walker: sisters Deborah Ann Sanders, Gaile Ann Walker and Mary (Brian) Hampton; brothers Joseph Walker, Jr. and Ricky Walker: four nieces, Nikita Weathers, Rickia Niquisha and Kaylah Walker; four nephews James Walker, Joseph Walker, Travis Weathers, Travon Walker; three Aunts, Velma DeBose, Christine (A.G.) Austin and Patricia Johnson and a host of cousins, other relatives and dear friends.