Sharon Annette (Cheatum) Kiel

     Sharon Annette Cheatum Kiel was born on February 12, 1955, in Galveston,
Texas, to Frank Cheatum and Hazel Woodson Cheatum. After the passing of her father,
her mother later married Travis Hendricks, who became an important part of the family.
She was raised alongside her twin sisters, Lynthia Stewart and Wynthia Brewster, and
her brother, Frank Stanley Cheatum. From an early age, Sharon developed the bold
spirit, determination, and strong sense of family that would define her life.

     Sharon was a proud graduate of La Marque High School, Class of 1973. She
continued her education at Galveston College, where she graduated in 1975. Sharon
lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and resilience. She was known for her vibrant
personality, generous heart, and a “can-do” mindset that carried her through every
season of life.

     Professionally, Sharon dedicated her career to healthcare as a respiratory
therapist. She served at several respected medical institutions, including Shriners Burn
Hospital in Galveston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas Medical
Branch (UTMB), and Cornerstone Hospital. Through her work, Sharon provided care
and comfort to patients and families during critical moments.

     One of the most meaningful aspects of Sharon’s career was her work with
Shriners Burn Hospital. In this role, she traveled internationally to assist in transporting
severely burned children back to Galveston so they could receive specialized medical
treatment. Her compassion and dedication to helping others left a lasting impact on
many lives.

     Outside of her professional career, Sharon was deeply committed to her faith and
church community. She was a devoted member of McKinney Memorial United
Methodist Church in La Marque, Texas, where she remained an active member for 62
years. Sharon faithfully served in several leadership and ministry roles. She contributed
to the Media Ministry, served with the United Methodist Women for eight years,
including seven years as president, and was a founding member of the Guardians of the
Temple Health Ministry, where she served for ten years. She also served as Laity

     Leader for eight years. Through her service, Sharon demonstrated her passion for
ministry, leadership, and community outreach.

     Sharon was known for her outgoing personality, her love of shopping, and her
enjoyment of spending time with family and friends. She approached life with
confidence and courage and was never one to remain silent in the face of adversity. Her
family remembers her as giving, energetic, and bold.

     Sharon was once married to Lonnie Kiel, and from that union welcomed her
daughter, TeMia (Kiel) Daniels. Sharon also became the proud Mother of Aaron Blake
Kiel. As a mother, she believed in raising strong, capable children and did not shelter
them from life’s realities. Her assertiveness and honesty helped prepare her children for
adulthood, instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and self-confidence.

     She supported her children in getting their college education. She often reminded them
of the importance of education, believing it was something no one could ever take away.
Though she worked tirelessly as a single parent, Sharon made every effort to be
present for the moments that mattered, cheering proudly from the stands at games and
celebrating milestones along the way. Her children remember her as a woman of
strength, encouragement, and unwavering support whose guidance helped shape the
people they are today.

     Sharon’s love extended naturally to her grandchildren, whom she adored. She
rarely approached them empty-handed, often bringing clothes, toys, sweets, or treats.
Whether taking walks, sharing desserts, or simply spending time together, she found joy
in creating memories with them and making each of them feel special.

     Sharon also shared a warm and genuine relationship with her daughter-in-law,
T’Liza Kiel whom she embraced as family. Together they enjoyed shopping trips, nail
salon visits, church activities, dining out, and family gatherings. Sharon showed love
through both words of affirmation and acts of kindness, a reflection of the generous
spirit that defined her life.

     In 2019, Sharon was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Over
the following years, her family surrounded her with love, patience, and care. While the
illness presented challenges, those who knew Sharon chose to remember the bright
spirit she carried throughout her life—her infectious laughter, her bold personality, and
the radiant smile that brought joy to those around her. 

   Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Cheatum and Hazel
Woodson Cheatum, her bonus Father, Travis Hendricks and her brother-in-law, Bobby
Stewart.

     She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Te Mia Daniels and Aaron Kiel
(T’Liza Kiel); her siblings, Lynthia Stewart, Wynthia Brewster (Charles Brewster), and
Frank Stanley Cheatum; her grandchildren, Brionne Daniels, Nathan Daniels, Nyiah
Daniels, Noah Kiel, and Nova Kiel; her great-grandchild, Amari Parsee; and a niece and
three nephews, Erika Croston, Evan Stewart, Austin Brewster, and Wynton Brewster,
along with a host of extended family, church family, and friends whose lives were
touched by her love and kindness.

     Sharon Annette Cheatum Kiel leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, strength,
and love. She will be remembered for her compassion, her dedication to family, and the
many lives she touched along her journey.

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