Sheila Ann Persons: May 9, 2026

Our family rock, our strongest supporter, and the most amazing woman with the best smile and LAUGH has now gone on to be with God. She was so full of life and always ready for a good time --- doing something fun, adventurous, and memorable. She was adored and loved by so many for her caring soul in others’ times of need, her sense of humor, her deep faith in God and her enormous zest for life. She was such a strong and independent woman, especially as she struggled with her knowledge of this cancer and dug deep to find a way to share it with us and go out as quick as possible on her own terms.

She is survived by her children, Laura Kay (Brian) Walker, Gina Christine Nguyen, and Larry Michael (Jelena) Persons. Her 9-grandchildren were her greatest blessings, Matthew David Walker, Stephanie Colleen Nguyen, Jason Daniel Nguyen, Alex Dalton Walker, Brett Chandler Walker, Eli Swalley, Autumn Rayne Gidcumb, Zoey Ann Mosely, and Dalton Thomas Mosley. Great grandchildren (5+ more to come) Mabel Nguyen Stanford, Billie Dawn Walker-Obrecht, Everly Jo Walker, Arthur Lyle Walker-Obrecht, and upcoming baby boy Walker fall 2026. And her bonus daughter in-law, Jelena Persons’s twin sister, Rina Gidcumb. Last, but not least, her remaining sibling, Sheree Kay Rogers and nieces and nephews and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Persons, her brother-in-law, Larry Rogers, her brothers, David Harrison, Danny Harrison, and Terry Harrison, and her parents Lee & Rusty Harrison.

She enjoyed a full and vibrant life, making every single day count and include something fun & exciting. She was a pillar in the Girl Scout community for generations and volunteered at nearly every Irish Festival possible, from Dogtown in STL to Cleveland, Ohio. She treasured her fantastic group of Irish Sister Cities crew, and her friends in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and her bingo and game night clan. Among her deepest loves was her Irish VILLAGE of the “Dolans/Findal’s/McEvoy’s, etc. --- The Super Fam!” Sheila loved to travel and was proudly part of the TWA Airlines family from 1968 to 2026. Her journeys included cherished trips to Ireland (of course!), Alaska, Florida, and countless places in between. As she would say --- who doesn’t love flying to Boston for lunch and being home in your own bed that same night? If you were hosting an event, you could always count on Sheila to cook something amazing --- especially in the sweets department! Her love of water and boating began with her childhood when her mom & dad, Lee & Rusty Harrison, took all five kids to Creve Coeur Lake when it was surrounded by raised cabins. That passion continued at Lake of the Ozarks beginning in the early 70s, until her sister Sheree recently moved back to O’Fallon. Finally, of course, her tremendous love of our local Pool26 on the Mississippi River here 10 minutes from home. She and Dad had their “Sugar Shack” at Hwy B & Hwy C until the flood of 1993 took it. After that, the tradition continued with the camper phase that easily moved in and out when Ole Miss gets angry. We are so blessed to know we will continue that Mississippi River Life in her honor for all our years to come! She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. As Mom would say, “All my Love, XOXOXOXOXO “ 

A Celebration of her Fabulous Life will be at St. Paul, MO Knights of Columbus Hall May 29th, 2:00pm. Catering will be provided by Dean Andrews Catering, along with favorite dishes prepared by the parish ladies. Feel free to bring a throw away item if desired. A cash bar will be available (no cards accepted), and tea & soda will be complimentary. Address: 1270 Church Rd, St. Paul, MO, 63366. If you wish to honor her memory, the family kindly requests floral arrangements be perennial plants so they may be replanted or making a donation to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (www.ecaware.org).