Emily Shealey

Emily “Evelyn” Shealey was born on October 16, 1933 in Elloree, South Carolina to proud parents, Phillip Huggins, Sr. and Rubella Buckman. Upon the demise of Emily’s mother, her father, Phillip Huggins, Sr. met and married Lina Huggins and they reared Emily in a very loving and nurturing home.  

At an early age, Emily and her family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where she attended local schools in the Duval County Public School System.  In June 1954, Emily graduated from Matthew W. Gilbert High School.

Later she met and married the love of her life, Paul Shealey, Sr. on March 21, 1958.  They were married for sixty-five (65) years and to that union, Paul Shealey, Jr. was born.

Emily loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age.  She was an active member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School. 

Emily worked various jobs over the years, but the one that brought her the most joy was serving as a Foster Grandparent and mentor at and R.V. Daniels Elementary School and more. As a Foster Grandparent, God allowed Emily to touch the lives of so many young people and gave them hope.

Emily’s interests included cooking, interior decorating, arts and crafts, sewing and making jewelry sets. Sitting on the front porch was one of her favorite pastime.  She was an avid sports fan.  She loved football, especially Florida State University Seminoles.  This love for FSU often led to some ridiculous “trash talk.”  She also loved her family. She was a mother and caregiver to many, including her nieces; Naesha Huggins, Laquanda Johnson and countless others. Time spent with Emily will long be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Her feisty personality and sassiness reminded us daily of her courageous spirit, her ability to make the best of any situation and the dynamic love she had for each of us.

Emily was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rubella Buckman, Phillip and Lina Huggins, son: Paul Shealey, Jr., siblings: Rose Lee Brown, Earnestine Fogal and Phillip Huggins, Jr.  She leaves to cherish her memories: husband: Paul Shealey, Sr., son: Cassius Wilcox, grandchildren: Chancellor Shealey, Paul Shealey III, Rarnard Shealey, Daron Shealey, Brittany Turner(Demarion), Yalik Shealey, Emily Shealey, Aaron Ford, Justin Brown, a host of great-grands, nieces: Gwendolyn Johnson (James), Shirley Eady, Phyllis Brantum, Angela Huggins, Christine Huggins, Tiffany Huggins, nephews: Stanley Huggins, Anthony Huggins(Alberta), a Special cousin: Roscheika “Rocky” Mickens and countless  family and friends that loved her dearly.

                Arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400

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