Ethel Sheehan

Ethel Bonner Sheehan, age 95, formerly of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at Pruitt Health in Greenville, Georgia, following a lengthy decline. She leaves a legacy of devotion to family, a love of education, a successful career in real estate, and an unwavering Christian faith.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 27, 1930, Ethel attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and began her career as an elementary school teacher. After marrying L. Clyde Sheehan, M.D., she devoted herself to raising their family. Following Dr. Sheehan's sudden death from a heart attack in 1981, Ethel began a new chapter as a residential realtor in Montgomery, where she enjoyed a successful career spanning more than two decades.

Ethel was deeply committed to her church communities. She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church from 1972 to 1991 and Young Meadows Presbyterian Church from 1991 to 2018. Her faith shaped every part of her life. An enduring optimist, she spoke openly of God's love, healing power, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Her life also reflected remarkable resilience. Ethel recovered from advanced breast and colon cancers and later faced a lemon-sized brain tumor at age 91 with the same steadfast faith. She often declared that God was her healer and that she was "walking in Divine health." She maintained a youthful spirit throughout her life, cheerfully answering questions about her age with, "I am 19 and holding."

Above all, Ethel treasured her family. She will be remembered for her grace, tenacity, ability to connect with others, and unconditional love for her two sons and their families.

Survivors include her sons, Dr. Clyde Alexander Sheehan and his wife, Susan Cole Sheehan, currently residing in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Alexander “Lex” Brantley Sheehan residing in Atlanta, Georgia; her sister, Mrs. Ellen Bonner Ballinger of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren Margaret Thames, Andrew, Thomas, Emma, Kelly May, and Marty Sheehan; nephews Walt, Bonner, and Jimmy Ballinger; and many lifelong friends, church members, and former clients.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. L. Clyde Sheehan; her parents – Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Montague Bonner of Raleigh, North Carolina; and her two older brothers, Alexander “Lex” and James.

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in LaGrange, Georgia. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 a.m., with burial immediately afterward at Meadoway Gardens in LaGrange.