As you read this, you may feel shock and disbelief. We share that feeling deeply. Mom had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel like close family, and we all wish we’d had more time with her.

Rev. Sheila Annette Baker-Johnson passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

We are mourning her loss, holding gratitude for her beautiful life, and moving through every emotion in between.

Mom was returning from an incredible South African vacation with a dear friend when her flight from Frankfurt to Denver was diverted to Iceland after she experienced a medical emergency related to an ongoing health condition. Michelle, Andrea, and Michael immediately flew to Reykjavik to be by her side, but in her own way, Mom spared us from witnessing her struggling, passing peacefully just before we arrived.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating her enormously loving and faith-filled life at 2:00 PM at Shorter Community AME Church in Denver, CO on October 18. Her repast/after party will be held at Coors Field from 4:30 to 7:00.

In true Sheila fashion, she lived life to the absolute fullest! If you feel moved to support, in lieu of flowers, we’d be grateful for help with her medical expenses, her international transfer back to the U.S., and her Celebration of Life. Any overage will go to one of her favorite non-profit organizations.

There are many logistics to work out in the coming weeks. We ask for your prayers, your patience, and your love as we navigate this. We are endlessly grateful to be the children of such an extraordinary woman.

We will share updates on the “Celebration of Sheila” page on Facebook and you are welcome to add photos and messages there as well.

With so much love,

Michelle, Andrea & Michael