Sheila Minton ('61) Passes Away
|
 |
| Sheila Minton |
Sheila Beth ( Frees) Minton, 67, of Port Orchard, WA was called to her final home by her Lord, on June 20, 2005 after an 11 month challenge with bile duct cancer. She was born on August 02, 1937 in Spirit Lake, Iowa. At 3 years old, her parents moved to Washington State. She studied music at an early age and excelled at violin. As a girl she attended Green Lake Elementary, Helen Bush Girls School and graduated from Kings Gardens in 1955 with her best friend Edith Butterfield (Sparks). In her late teens, she traveled extensively to Europe and the Middle East. She went on to play her violin in 3 different symphony orchestras & various special events in the years ahead.
Sheila had a heart for missions and chose to attend Northwest College of the Assemblies of God in Seattle, WA. She met her husband Jed P. Minton on the 2nd day of school. Sheila and Jed were married July 27, 1957 and made their first home in Lake City. They had 3 daughters--Beth Carlson of Poulsbo, WA; Rebecca Williams of Port Orchard, WA; Michal Fleury of Poulsbo, WA; And 2 sons--Jerrison Jr. (Jed) Minton, of Gig Harbor, WA & Benjamin Minton of Eagle River, AK.
The Mintons have had the privilege of pastoring a number of churches, from which Sheila gained some lifelong friends, beginning at Bellevue Neighborhood-Youth ministry, The Neighborhood Church, Canby, OR.; Calvary Temple, Salem, OR; Chelsea Park Community Church, Burien, WA; Christian Life Center, Port Orchard, WA; Neighborhood Church, Tacoma WA; Ferndale Assembly of God, Ferndale, WA & finally at Camp Union Assembly of God, Seabeck, WA.
Sheila was most active in her church music leadership using her talents on the organ, piano, violin and vocals. A highlight for the church body was hearing her tender sweet solos at Easter, with songs such as "We Shall Behold Him". Sheila assisted her husband in years of counseling individuals and couples, and was also Women's ministry coordinator and leader for various Bible study groups. Her life touched people, by her personal and thoughtfully spoken wisdom. While serving at Christian Life Center, Sheila played an instrumental part in the "Charismatic Renewal" movement with her music and worship direction in the late 70s & early 80's -A period of time that was close to her heart.
Sheila traveled with Jed as Evangelists at home and abroad. She worked in Port Orchard for Jorstad's Jewelry and six years at Ridgemont Terrace nursing home as activity assistant.
Most of all, Sheila devoted her life to raising her children. They valued her heartfelt counsel and priceless companionship very much in their lives. She was more then a mother - but a best friend, a woman who was "glue" to her family. "Sheila B" was fun; a joy to be around. She would schedule "Minton Memories" to bring her family together. Her hours of prayer and shepherding her family became her greatest mission field. Her children blessed her with 12 beautiful grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She took interest in each one recognizing their uniqueness and lovingly encouraging them in their talents. She was so proud of her family.
Preceded by her in death were her parents, Jay and Verna Frees, Edmonds, WA; founders of Jay Frees Plumbing in Seattle and by her younger brother Lee Frees, Mt. Vernon, WA. She is survived by her husband, Jerrison P. Minton of Port Orchard, WA, by all of her children & grandchildren mentioned above, her sisters Jayan Westby, Marysville, WA; Verna King, Antalya Turkey; Meridith Rhinehart, Glendale, AZ; and by her brother Jay Frees Jr., Clinton, WA.
Sheila loved her Bible and never grew tired of learning new things; she was always open to grow. Sheila's spirit is Alive…not dead. We witnessed in such a vivid way her spirit--large and growing vibrant & stronger when her earthly body was not useful any longer. Her spirit will continue to be loved enormously by her husband, family and friends. The sound of her laughter, her compassionate ways and her gracious gift of making someone feel of value will be missed by all of us. In her last days, Sheila thoughtfully commented that the song phrase, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim…" had come to mean more than she had ever understood before. It is just fitting that Jesus would want her close with him today- for she truly is a beautiful soul.
Today, she shall behold Him- face to face in all of His glory.
- Reprinted from from SheilaMinton.com