Pastor's Blog

Ella A. Smith (Byrd) Sheffield received a special invitation and was welcomed to Jesus banquet table with open arms at the age of 86, she was born on January 10, 1931 and on November 23, 2017 she went to Jesus. She was a consummate mother, homemaker, seamstress, and cook; therefore, we are all sure that as soon as she arrived to heaven she started insisting on helping with the cooking and arraignments for dinner. We know this because she always enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, insisting that everyone eat. Everyone knew that her table was never too small, and one more could always be accommodated, even if seated on the white stool at the bar. Ella was also an artist, sharing her gift from God by painting a mural in her church, and she provided special themed works to her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Randara has fond memories of painting with grand-momma during summer visits.

Ella had an unwavering faith in God, she was a member of Forts Lake Assembly of God for many years. Ella was very involved with the church and assisted in numerous out-reach activities sponsored by the church, such as preparing food boxes for those in need after hurricanes, preparing meals for Vacation Bible School, and Missionary guest.

She is survived by her second husband Allen J. (Jack) Sheffield. She was the beloved mother to daughters: Barbara Byrd and Tamara (Byrd) Castleberry (Randall), grandchildren Christopher (Sabrina) Byrd and Randara (Castleberry) Fuller (Frank), great-grandchildren Alex, Lexie, Randy, and Montana. Her second marriage to Jack brought into her family Ernest (Peggy) Sheffield, Wayne (Karen) Sheffield, and Norman (Aura) Sheffield, as well as twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as many nephews and nieces.

Ella was welcomed to the banquet hall by her parents Wiley and Nellie Smith, two brothers Sam and Roy Smith, her sister Wilda (Bodiford) Brooks, her first husband Robert E. Byrd, as well as three step-children Allen Sheffield, Jr, Paul Sheffield, and Carolyn (Sheffield) Woodworth.

The family also recognizes special friend Helen Pugh, Stanley and Jane Bragg, Jerry and Rita Sessions, her church family at Forts Lake Assembly of God, friends, and neighbors.

The family will receive friends on Monday November 27, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Forts Lake Assembly of God Church located at 12412 Forts Lake Road, Moss Point, MS. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held the following day on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Forts Lake Assembly of God Church followed by interment at Serenity Gardens Cemetery on Old Pascagoula Road in Irvington, Alabama.

Even though Ella also had a love of gardening and flowers, the family request that in lieu of flowers and gifts that the funds be donated to the Forts Lake Assembly of God Church building fund in her honorarium.

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine, and none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord. John 21:12

Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me. Revelation 3:20