Sheila A. Laney

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, Ms. Sheila Ann Laney, loving partner and mother of 2 biological children and 4 adopted children transitioned into eternity. Ms. Laney, daughter of Mrs. Willie Pearl Johnson (Clarence) was born May 25th in Long Island, NY and was the oldest child to precede her late brother, Darrell Johnson. She attended the public schools of NY and was a graduate of Bellport High School. During her later years she became a member of Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served in ministry. Over 20 years ago Sheila started hosting prayer breakfasts for women as she had a heart and passion for ministry to women.

Sheila married the late Anthony Laney and on January 18th she gave birth to her firstborn son, Anthony Damon Laney. After 12 years she gave birth to her second son, Raymond Laney. As her children grew into young adults, Sheila realized her love for children and soon became a foster parent. This was a profound area of ministry for her as she would freely open her heart and her home to many foster children. As time progressed, she developed a long-term love and relationship for Kip and Nehemiah Jackson and made the decision to adopt them as her sons. As these young men grew and matured, she once again served as a foster parent to Darrell and Navaeh Harris who soon became a permanent part of her family through adoption. During this time Sheila also opened her heart once again to love and remained faithful to her life partner, Foster Robinson.

With a heart of love and compassion in addition to a deep need to serve and help others, Ms. Laney entered into the medical field and was employed by Brookhaven Hospital where she remained employed for an amazing 40-year career. While employed here Sheila made many friends with doctors, nurses, and others too numerous to mention. She also had many friends outside of the profession that remained true life-long friends until the Lord called her home. Sheila was often recognized for her years of service and the loving care with which she served her patients.

Ms. Laney also had a great love of family. She had a very close bond, friendship and sisterhood with her Aunt Clyde Elizabeth “Tibba” Gamble. Her home was always opened to family members with several of them living with her for short periods of time. Sheila was also best known by her family and friends for her quick-witted humor, excellent cooking skills, and generous spirit.

As a result of Sheila’s tender heart and pleasant spirit, she was loved and respected by many and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all her knew her…she will be sorely missed. She quietly departed this life on January 19, 2023, at Mather Hospital.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Anthony Damon Laney (special friend, Tara Hardinger), Raymond Laney (special friend, Desiree Atkinson), Kip Jackson (special friend, Julie Kittleman), Nehemiah Jackson, Darrell Harris-Laney, and Navaeh Harris-Laney all of New York; Grandchildren – Marc Anthony Laney and Micah Bryant Laney, Coram, NY; Aunt – Clyde Elizabeth “Tibba” Gamble, Chesapeake, VA; Special Cousins – Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Chesapeake, VA, LaShon McNeil (Corey), Raleigh, NC, Karen Ingram, Statesville, NC; Life partner – Foster and Life-long friend – Carol Edmond.