Shelia Pannell Kern

On Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025, our beloved mother, grandma, sister, and friend to so many, Shelia L. Pannell Kern, 72, departed this earthly life, to a new life in Glory, as family faithfully stood by her side.

Services honoring the life of Ms. Shelia will be at 3 PM Sunday March 23, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12 Noon until service time on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Ripley Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Golden Hill Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service for Ms. Shelia, a link is provided below to watch via livestream.

Born October 20, 1952, in Tippah County, Ms. Shelia was the daughter of the late Charles Pannell and Irva Richardson Tatum. She was a graduate of Ripley High School and was employed with Masterbilt in New Albany, for over forty faithful years, serving as a cost accountant, until her retirement. A saved Christian, Ms. Shelia was loved by many and a friend to all, as she embodied a fun loving and free-spirited nature that inspired everyone around her.

She was a fierce determined woman, always holding fast to the "Do it yourself" philosophy, she believed in working on her own home, doing her own repairs, and hands on projects, although most of her crafting adventures changed from year to year. Nevertheless, Ms. Shelia loved being independent and was never afraid to try her hand at anything new. Aside from her DIY projects, other favorite pastimes included gardening, quilting, and being outdoors. Ms. Shelia was well known for her deep love for all things sports, as she was an avid softball player from the 70’s until the late 1990's, which included playing with one of her favorite teams, The Bad Girls. Beyond her softball days, other athletic traits of hers consisted of being an avid golfer, playing volleyball, pitching washers with friends, playing and watching poker tournaments, and cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves, and Dallas Cowboys. 

Above all of Ms. Shelia’s accomplishments, her greatest would be that of her family. Anytime she was out, she never missed the opportunity to tell others how proud she was of her daughter and grandchildren. She was their biggest fan, never missing any events of theirs, and always cheering for them the loudest. Although her grandchildren were a great source of pride, Ms. Shelia's love for her great-grandson Brady, was like no other. It was clear to see the bond those two shared, as her eyes lit up and she always wore a brighter smile anytime he was around. It's true to say Ms. Shelia wore the title "Grandma" proudly, as the quote “Wherever there is a Grandma, there a garden of love grows.”, is a perfect reflection on how she lived her life dedicated to her grandchildren.

During her time here in this life, Ms. Shelia's warmth and kindness made her a favorite among friends and family alike. Her legacy of love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for life's simplest pleasures is instilled in all of us. Though her earthy flame has gone out, the light still remains, for it continues to shine through us, inspiring and encouraging others to fight the good fight faithfully, keep sight in all the Lord's promises, show love to those in your life, and live every day to its fullest.

Those left to cherish Ms. Shelia's memories include one daughter, Angela Bass, two grandchildren, LeeAnna Nelms and Peyton Stallings, one great-grandson, Brady Moss, three sisters, Bonnie Hodge, Jaclyn Meeks (Neal), and Liana Prahl (Bob), a special friend, Davie Kennedy, four nephews, three nieces, seven great nieces, seven great nephews, six great-great nieces, whom she loved and adored dearly, and a wide circle of friends.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by two sisters, Debbie Brady and Beverly Jackson.

Pallbearers will be Weston and Keven Moss, Randy and Allen Pannell, Neal Meeks and Ronnie Decanter.  Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandson, Brady Moss, four great nephews, Silas and Elijah Pannell, Alex Garrett, Will Decanter and her nine great-great nephews, River and Brantley Pannell, Jaxtin and Lawsin Ragan, Remi and Preston Gann, Noah Jumper, Eli and T.J. Hamblin.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Ms. Shelia's family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shelia Pannell Kern, please visit our floral store.