Sheila Ray Efurd, 63, of Greenland, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2019. She was a native of Elaine, Arkansas and a resident of Greenland, AR for many years. She was a member of the Ridgeview Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Jackie Efurd of Greenland; daughter, Samantha Efurd of Farmington; son, Paul Efurd (Debbie)of Greenwood; grandchildren, Emily, Marybeth, Abbey, Jackson and Lily Kate; brothers, Joe Ray (Joan) of Skiatook, OK, Doug Ray (Katie) of Vicksburg, MS and Brown Ray (Vallie) of Hattiesburg, MS; brother-in-law, Bobby Ray of Helena, AR; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also, two grand-dogs, Mercedes and Jersey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Alma Ray; siblings, Bill Ray and Becky Ray; nieces, Sheila Ann Ray and Pamela Ray; and nephew, Chris Ray.
Sheila started her teaching career in Elaine, Arkansas and continued after moving to Greenland. After 30 years of teaching she retired, becoming a full-time “Grandma”. Sheila was once Teacher of the Year and her compassion for others showed throughout her life. Her roles as wife, mom and grandma were most important to her and she enjoyed doing the small things for people that truly mattered.
An avid sports fan, Sheila loved sports and was a tried and true Razorback fan.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Ridgeview Baptist Church, 1850 East Huntsville Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ridgeview Baptist Church or Greenland Public Schools.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
`I remember when Jackie and Sheila met in Elaine probably at my home. We had gathered there after a ballgame and Sheila came; I didn’t notice their attraction to one another until later but remember them laughing and talking. I was at their wedding. I remember when Sam was born. I worked with them for several years and then I moved on and so did they, but we talked at least once a year and then like many we lost touch a year or so ago. I visited them in Fayetteville several times. Sheila was a sweet soul and her adoration for Jackie was very noticeable and his for her. I talked with him when she was ill a year or so ago and could hear the concern in his voice. She was a good teacher and a good friend. Rest In Peace Sheila and my condolences to her family and friends.
Sheila was truly a sweet loving person. We have many good memories of her smiles and kind ways.
We will miss her. You are, and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.
Leon and Elaine Bozarth,
Josh and Amy Bozarth Jenkins
So sorry to lean about Shelia. We go back to when I worked for her mother at Doughboy. She was always a nice friend and teacher. I last saw her a couple years back you all are in my prayers!
Sam, Jackie, Paul & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing she is resting peacefully in our Father’s arms, Sheila was a wonderful and kind person, a great wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and teacher. She brought joy and laughter to all that knew her. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Efurd Family, words can not adequately express how heartbroken we are for you all. Our family met Shelia when she was our son’s teacher at Greenland and what a wonderful and encouraging educator she was to all her students.
Shelia was a blessing to so many. Will miss her smile and hugs on Sunday mornings.
Prayers,
Rick, Vickie and Graham Robinson
So sorry to hear of Sheila’s passing. She welcomed me to Greenland with open arms and the greatest honor was she entrusted her daughter, Samantha, to me in third grade. She always had kind words for all and a smile that would light a room. May God surround the family with love and comfort. Samatha, may God and your many friends wrap you in love and peace. Love you
So sorry to hear this. My love and prayers to all of you. You were all such a close and wonderful family. She will be missed
I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of this sweet friend. I have so many fond memories of her. She truly had a kind & loving spirit. May she rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus.
We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Our condolences and our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek. May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss.
May HIS Grace fill the Efurd Family during this difficult time. May God Bless you ALL
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Sheila. Ill always remember her kind heart while she taught at Greenland. The Efurd family will be in my prayers.
My deepest condolences to all of the family.
Mrs. Efurd was a favorite teacher of mine… I only had her for a semester, possibly only 9 weeks. But that is all it took for her to make you feel like you were one of hers.
Sam- Your smile reminds me of hers. Thinking of you today.
Thoughts and prayers to the family! Great memories and so much kindness to my family!
So sadden to hear about Sheila, keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.