Sheila William

Sheila Marquinta William (Dennis), 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family.

Sheila was born on April 11, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Lora Elizabeth Dennis and William Henry Dennis Jr. Sheila was the third daughter in a family of six daughters and one son.

The Dennis family was close-knit and joyful, surrounded by a strong community of supportive friends and neighbors. They were active members of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, where Sheila was baptized—a spiritual foundation that deeply shaped her values and character. These early bonds of faith, family, and community were the pillars of Sheila’s lifelong success.

From a young age, Sheila and her sisters loved to dance and “dress up,” sparking a passion for self-expression that remained with her throughout her life. She became known as a vibrant "fashionista" with impeccable style and flair, and her love for dance evolved into a core part of both her personal and professional identity.

Sheila received her early education through the Nashville Public School System, attending Napier Elementary, Carter Lawrence Elementary, and Cameron Junior and Senior High Schools. A standout student, she graduated from Cameron High School in 1960 as “Miss Cameron.” During her time at Cameron, Sheila was active in numerous organizations, including the dance club, student and guidance councils, Players Guild, Science Club, French Club, and she competed in “The Negro and the Constellation,” showcasing her academic and artistic talents.

After high school, Sheila received scholarship offers from Bennett College, Dillard University, and Fisk University. She chose to remain close to home and attend Fisk, where she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Her journey as an educator began shortly thereafter with the Detroit Public Schools System, where she poured her passion into a teaching career that spanned over three decades.

Sheila continued her own education by earning a Master of Education degree through Wayne State University and Cambridge College. After retiring from teaching following 36 years of dedicated service, she embraced an active lifestyle, engaging in tennis, water aerobics, tai chi, yoga, pickleball, chair aerobics, and, of course, dance.

Inspired by her own junior high school teachers, Ms. Dorothye Clark and Mrs. Florence Cobb, Sheila became a beloved and impactful educator. She emphasized not only academic achievement but also student confidence, self-expression, and emotional well-being. Sheila’s middle school students traveled widely to participate in workshops, showcases, and performances across high school and college campuses. They received wide acclaim at the citywide “All-City Dance Concerts” for their artistry and innovative performances. She also co-sponsored school multimedia productions and was known for infusing energy and excellence into every endeavor.

A dedicated and faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church since 1974, Sheila served under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Frederick G. Sampson and Rev. Dr. Nathan Johnson. Her church involvement was rich and varied—she served as president of her deacons’ group, chaired the decorating committee for the church’s 75th anniversary celebration at Cobo Hall, and led the church’s annual Graduates’ Fellowship for over 20 years. Sheila also co-chaired the churchwide “Loyalty Sunday Celebration,” a multimedia production she lovingly dubbed an “extravaganza,” where she often performed. She was a member of the Women and Girls Choir, participated in the liturgical dance ministry “One,” and contributed her creative talents as assistant artistic director for the retirement celebration of Mrs. Anne Bell Johns, director of Christian Education. Sheila remained active in Bible study and Sunday School, ever nurturing her spiritual life and community bonds.

Civically engaged and socially conscious, Sheila was a proud lifelong member of the Democratic Party and actively participated in the local initiative to help elect President Barack Obama. She was also a member of the NAACP, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and a supporter of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Her grace, intellect, humor, and boundless style touched all who knew her, and her legacy lives on through the countless students, family, and friends she inspired.

Sheila was preceded in death by her former husband, Roberto Jerimiah William, the father of her son Lafayette Wesley Williams II, her sisters Pamela Henderson, Raynelle Dennis, her brother William Dennis, and three brothers-in-law, Ronaldo Peoples, Inman Otey, and Hayden Ballard Jr.

Those who will cherish Sheila’s memory are her son Lafayette Williams III (Karen), her grandchildren Wesley Williams and Sloan Williams. She is survived by her sisters Velma Otey, Joyace Peoples, Carlotta Ballard, and a sister-in-law, Lily Dennis. Other loved ones include a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In Lieu of flowers please click the link.