Mrs. Sheila Graham

GRAHAM, Mrs. Sheila - Age 66, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:00 AM Friday, May 12, 2023 at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3502 Lapeer Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Rev. Dr. Rabon Turner, officiating. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy., Mt. Morris, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Friday. Mrs. Graham will lie in state at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday, with family present from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM to receive friends and sorority rituals by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. beginning at 5:00 PM. Sheila Miller Graham began her life's journey in this world on March 25, 1957 in Flint, Michigan at St. Joseph Hospital. She was the third of four children born to J.W. and Nina B. (McFadden) Miller. She grew up in Flint, Michigan where she was the product of the Flint Community Schools. She was a proud graduate of Flint Northwestern High School Class of 1975, graduating with honors. Thereafter, she attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. She was a part of numerous organizations including the Trotter House Dance Company and served as Residential Assistant for several students. On May 19, 1984, Sheila was united in holy matrimony to her loving husband of 39 years, Mr. Rodney Graham. To this union, one beautiful daughter was born, Natasha (Graham) Lyle. She loved and was most proud of her 3 handsome grandchildren, Tarik, Malik, and Khari Lyle. She later went on to finish her education through her post graduate studies which included, University of Kansas, special education studies at Eastern Michigan University, and Masters of Education certification studies at Marygrove College. Sheila was a founding member of the Flint Chapter of Pierians Inc., member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Zeta Beta Omega Chapter, member of the NAACP Flint Chapter, member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. Gamma Delta Chapter, the Tapology Board, Flint Arts Council, and member of the National Association of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Club. Known for her outstanding work through teaching dance in the community, Phi Delta Kappa inducted Sheila into the Living Legends Women's Hall of Fame in 2004. "To Dance Is To Live, To Live Is To Dance" and dance she did. Sheila began teaching dance classes for Mott Adult High School, McCree Theater, Pontiac Michigan Recreation Center, Ann Arbor Michigan Recreation Center, Dukette Catholic School, and Flint Community Schools. Sheila served as the instructor for Flint Senior Centers, providing fitness and low aerobic classes for senior citizens. She willingly volunteered her time and talents to serve as a judge for numerous competitions, to train and mentor young people who were preparing themselves for careers in the field of fine arts. For a number of years, Sheila annually partnered with Flint Institute of Music and Gamma Delta Chapter of National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. to provide choreography and dance routines for the African American History Cultural and Women's History programs. Known for her amazing talent, Sheila choreographed for professional groups including the “Velvelettes”, world renowned legendary Motown Group. She choreographed for numerous "Fashionetta" fashion shows and debutante coalition balls. Sheila also choreographed dance and step routines for Flint area youth groups in preparation for performances at the United Negro College Fund and other events (Xinos, Kudos, & Akettes). Upon McCree Theater dance department closing, she was commissioned to start dance classes for The City of Flint Department of Recreation. She then established "Creative Expressions Dance Studio Inc." as founder and director on September 6, 1982. While starting with only 30 students, Sheila grew to nurture and educate over 8,000 students and parents through the arts for over 41 years. While serving as the founder/director of this illustrious studio, she was also an amazing instructor and choreographer. Sheila returned to her alma mater, Flint Northwestern High School, to teach dance in the Fine Arts Department. There, Sheila formed the Wildcats in Motion Dance Team, which remained for 14 years until the school’s closing in 2018. She also worked with the majorettes and color guards of the Mighty Marching Wildcats Band, Senior Class Sponsor and Advisor, and was the choreographer for the Glee Club. The Historical Berston Field House is home to Creative Expressions Studio and several other youth programs. Creative Expressions Dance Studio Inc. is considered one of the jewels of Flint and served as a lifeline to assist in keeping the doors open at Berston Field House. Consequently, Sheila took great pride in the facility and devoted numerous hours to cleaning, maintaining, and improving the quality of the atmosphere in the building. At any given time, you will find her hard at work doing chores in what is also called, "her second home". No matter who walked through those doors, Sheila welcomed them with open arms. Additionally, she played an integral part in helping to facilitate the recognition of Berston as a Historical site and the current future legacy of Berston. She recently served as the Operations Manager and also actively engaged in the many other programs and activities held at Berston Field House including the Flint Water Crisis. Sheila was a proud Christian who loved the Lord and made it her mission to spread the love of Jesus through all walks of life. As a member of a family of devout faith, at an early age, she professed her love for Jesus Christ and joined Dozier Memorial C.M.E. Church of Flint, Michigan. Sheila served on the junior usher board, sang in the choir, taught sunday school, and was a member of the hristian Youth Fellowship (CYF). She also taught vacation bible school. She later moved her membership to Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she served on the creative arts ministry, women's ministry team lead, sunday school, health ministry, and served as director of the dance ministry for over 22 years. Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church is just one more place, but not the last that the Lord allowed Sheila to use her talents. As an extraordinary leader, she was always engaged in promoting the health and vitality of Flint. Her work has been important to the City of Flint and its residents for many years, with her studio being the only program of its kind. She has created a wholesome avenue to help shape the positive futures for young people. Within every program she has been a part of, Sheila has helped to provide a safe environment for the youth to enjoy a nourishing cultural experience that helped fill the gap created by the loss of youth after school programs. Her selfless acts helped to build students with self-esteem and a self-confidence while instilling her, "I can succeed at something" attitude. God has blessed Sheila to be able to do work and serve others while doing what she loved the most. Sheila has stated, "I have had the opportunity to see my students follow in my footsteps. My motto for teaching is My Job is to Teach You to Take My Job", which they have done. She served as an instrumental foundation to her students who have appeared in Broadway, Apollo, music videos, movies, Rockettes, and much more. God has truly blessed her to be a blessing, and see the fruits of her labor. Sheila never considered herself above any task. No matter how big or small, she overcame them all with grace. Sheila was determined to leave this world better than she found it. Her selfless acts have truly left a profound impact on her family, the City of Flint, and everyone she has encountered. Sheila leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy : Husband: Rodney Graham of Flint MI; Daughter: Natasha (Toure') Lyle Jr. of San Antonio, TX ; Grandchildren: Tarik, Malik, and Khari Lyle of San Antonio, TX ; Siblings : Sister - Donna (Howard) McNeal of Grand Blanc, MI, Brother - Glen (Rhonda) Miller of Queen Creek, AZ, Brother - Cornelius (Sherri) Miller of Burton, MI; Father in Law: Jimmy Graham of Flint, MI; Sister in Law - Sheila (Maurice) Grisham of Ypsilanti, MI; Nieces - Jaclyn Miller of Farmington Hills, MI, India Grisham of Ypsilanti, MI and Krystle Miller of Delphi Township, MI; Nephews : Jonathan Miller of Thornton, CO, Philip Miller of Oak Park, MI, Christopher Scott of Lansing MI, Maurice Grisham Jr. and Isaiah Grisham both of Ypsilanti, MI; Great Niece and Nephews: Jordan, Jaiden, and Jamari Miller of Delphi Township, MI.; God Children : Josee Muldrew of Atlanta, GA, Jessika Muldrew of Dallas, TX, Al McKnight of Flushing, MI, Jambernice Lang of Atlanta, GA, Mijah Lang of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Alana Thomas of Mount Morris, MI. A host of special cousins, relatives, colleagues, and friends including special friend and prayer partner, Stephanie Moore, Creative Expressions Dance Studio Inc. Family, Grace Emmanuel Church Family, and City of Flint. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Nina Miller; Mother in Law - Flotella Graham; Nephew - Brandon Maurice Miller, and Special Aunt - Dr. Jessie McFadden Muldrew.

Mrs. Sheila Graham

March 25, 1957 - May 1, 2023