Sheila Stanley

Sheila Thomas (Alexander) Stanley passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 2, 2026, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on May 14, 1928, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Norman Duncan Alexander and Helen Inez Thomas. She spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma and graduated from Central High School in Tulsa. Sheila went on to attend Oklahoma State University, where she met the love of her life and future husband of 67 years Earle Wiliiam “Bill” Stanley. While at OSU, Sheila was a Charter Member of the Delta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity. Sheila and Bill were married on October 21, 1950, at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa. They began their life together in Arkansas City, Kansas, where Bill operated Ark City Rendering Company. Over the years, their journey took them to Naperville, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; San Angelo, Texas; and Garland, Texas, before retiring in 1989 to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Sheila will be remembered with deep love and affection for her warm spirit, positive outlook on life, and her natural ability to connect with others. Her creativity was a true expression of her love—whether through beautifully smocked heirloom clothing for her grandchildren or the many exquisite quilts she lovingly crafted and gifted. She and Bill found great joy in gathering with family, especially at Thanksgiving, hosting visits, and creating lasting memories with their children and grandchildren. She was an active member of Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines in Hot Springs Village, as well as a member of P.E.O. and the Quilt Guild. Sheila and Bill shared a love of golf, bridge, and time spent with friends. They also gave generously of their time volunteering at church and with Jackson House and Meals on Wheels. Sheila is survived by her four children: Thomas K. Stanley (Beverly) of Carrollton, Texas; William D. Stanley of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; Alexandra “Alexa” L. Robinson (Porter) of Collierville, Tennessee; and Jeri E. Doane (Larry) of Edmond, Oklahoma. She was a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren—affectionately known by her as “The Grands”: David T. Stanley (Karen) of Nolensville, Tennessee; Katherine A. Stanley (Jason) of Plano, Texas; Matthew R. Doane (Lauren) of Fort Worth, Texas; Erin E. Baxter (Tyler) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mollie M. Bailey (MG) of Franklin, Tennessee; and Whitney L. Burnley (John) of Nashville, Tennessee. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews across the country. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2017, her parents and three siblings: twins Janette Reynolds and Isabel Kiene, and Norman D. Alexander, Jr. Memorial contributions may be made in Sheila’s name to the STAR scholarship fund through the local P.E.O chapter or to the Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines in Hot Springs Village.

Sheila Stanley

May 14, 1928 - April 2, 2026