Obituary for Sheldon Willis
Sheldon Airell Willis was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 2, 1958 to the union of Andrew
and Plumie Willis. Sheldon a.k.a. "Rell" attended David Farragut High School in Chicago. He
graduated in 1977 and went on to study at Olive Harvey College.
Rell became a school bus driver and eventually moved on to work as a shuttle bus driver for
O'Hare Airport. He would become a CTA Bus Driver for over 20 years where he remained until
his health would no longer allow him to work. He enjoyed cooking and baking as a hobby.
Sadly, Sheldon departed from this life on May 27, 2020 at the age of 61 at the University of
Illinois Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He is preceded in death by: His parents, Andrew and Plumie
Willis.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Brother, Standish Willis (Sali); sister, Winnette Willis; brother,
Reginald Willis (Deneice) all of Chicago, IL; nine nephews and nieces, Lil' Reggie (Nikki), Vesta
aka "Heavenly", Rehabiah, Akiza, Aisha (Derrick), Amilcar, Kimani, Corey, Ryshaun; and step
nieces and nephews along with cousins and other relatives and friends.
Sheldon was very humble and kind hearted. He will be greatly missed. He was brought up in the
Greater Holy Temple Church where the Elder Bishop Lenox was pastor.
Sheldon Airell loved to cook and bake - his cookware collection rivaled that of a chef! During the
holidays his Parker House Rolls, 7-Up and carrot cakes were greatly anticipated by our family. He
enjoyed watching mafia movies and listening to black talk radio. But family connection was also
very important to Airell. Though modest and unassuming in manner, he made it his business to stay
in touch with far flung family and friends. It seemed to be his mission. You could count on him to
show up at special events or just drop by for a home visit. He kept our extended family connected.
He was one in a million. ~From Winnette
Our beloved cousin, God saw you getting tired so He put his arms around you and whispered,
"Come to Me". We received the unpleasant message that you had passed away and although we
love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands
at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Rest in Heaven, Sheldon.
~From Doncella & Tanya, Marcella & Ramon
and Plumie Willis. Sheldon a.k.a. "Rell" attended David Farragut High School in Chicago. He
graduated in 1977 and went on to study at Olive Harvey College.
Rell became a school bus driver and eventually moved on to work as a shuttle bus driver for
O'Hare Airport. He would become a CTA Bus Driver for over 20 years where he remained until
his health would no longer allow him to work. He enjoyed cooking and baking as a hobby.
Sadly, Sheldon departed from this life on May 27, 2020 at the age of 61 at the University of
Illinois Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He is preceded in death by: His parents, Andrew and Plumie
Willis.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Brother, Standish Willis (Sali); sister, Winnette Willis; brother,
Reginald Willis (Deneice) all of Chicago, IL; nine nephews and nieces, Lil' Reggie (Nikki), Vesta
aka "Heavenly", Rehabiah, Akiza, Aisha (Derrick), Amilcar, Kimani, Corey, Ryshaun; and step
nieces and nephews along with cousins and other relatives and friends.
Sheldon was very humble and kind hearted. He will be greatly missed. He was brought up in the
Greater Holy Temple Church where the Elder Bishop Lenox was pastor.
Sheldon Airell loved to cook and bake - his cookware collection rivaled that of a chef! During the
holidays his Parker House Rolls, 7-Up and carrot cakes were greatly anticipated by our family. He
enjoyed watching mafia movies and listening to black talk radio. But family connection was also
very important to Airell. Though modest and unassuming in manner, he made it his business to stay
in touch with far flung family and friends. It seemed to be his mission. You could count on him to
show up at special events or just drop by for a home visit. He kept our extended family connected.
He was one in a million. ~From Winnette
Our beloved cousin, God saw you getting tired so He put his arms around you and whispered,
"Come to Me". We received the unpleasant message that you had passed away and although we
love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands
at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Rest in Heaven, Sheldon.
~From Doncella & Tanya, Marcella & Ramon