Nora Sheffield Obituary

Obert Funeral Home

731 Kirkland Road

Chipley, Florida 32428

850-638-2122

www.obertfuneralhome.com

On Friday, February 20, 2026 Nora Ruth Sheffield, our beloved Momma Ruth, stepped into her eternal home. She was 93 years old, and surrounded by loved ones as she was closing her eyes to this world to awaken to the face of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Finally home to be with the One whom her soul loves. 

Born on November 7, 1932 in the great big town of Wausau, Florida to her parents Enoch Walters and Nora Eunice Johns Walters. She married her sweetheart R.V. Sheffield on May 6, 1949. Together they created a family and life that they enjoyed for over 50 years. She was a wonderful homemaker, caring for her loved ones with everything she had within her. She was famous for bringing the banana pudding to the church potlucks. Her family remembers well all the Sunday lunches that she would fix after church every week at her home and afterwards they would all play ball together in the field for the rest of the afternoon. Outside of time spent with Jesus, family time was the most important time to her. Christ first, then her family, and everyone else followed from that order. To know her was to love her, and if she knew you and loved you, one thing about it—your name was going to be called out every day in prayer. 

She was one of the founding members of what is now referred to as Holmes Valley Community Church (The Valley), and at certain times over the years was the only member who would faithfully show up and keep the lights burning. Because of her faithfulness to that sacred spot, part of her lifelong assignment to hold the ground, many people have had the opportunity to meet Jesus, be taught in His ways, and to raise their families in the fear and admonition of the Lord while building community with like minded believers. Only heaven knows the accurate count of all the souls who have been won, transformed, and marked forever because of her faithfulness. She was a singer and part of The Holmes Valley Trio for many years, and she loved to worship her King through song. She was a Sunday School teacher for the majority of her life, and was teaching the Deep Roots Sunday School class faithfully for the last five years with Bro. Jimmy up until the last month or so because of being ill. Her heart was to be in His house, and she did NOT like to miss!

Her prayer life is probably the one thing that everyone will say that made her stand out among her peers. Every morning, beginning with her own children, and even continuing to the present with her great, great grandchildren, she would pray over every child before they left for school in the morning. Those who lived close, would even stop by before the bus or car ride to have their head anointed with oil before they set off on their way. She wrote her prayers, called people and prayed for them, and people would come to her home or call specifically for her to pray. We all knew that it wasn’t something she said she would do, it was what she lived. Almost like she had a direct line to Jesus’ ear. She leaves behind all the prayers that she has prayed for her family, church family, friends and neighbors. A legacy that will never pass away. Many things she saw come to pass, some she is still waiting for, but even though she is with Jesus, she saw the promises “afar off,” like Hebrews 11 says. 

Her last words should be included here in this message, because it is what she would want people to know. It is her testimony. Before her final breath, she said, “People better get ready, Jesus is coming.” It was her desire to see EVERYONE come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. The One who died for them, and rose again. If you’re not prepared to meet the Lord, don’t turn Him away when He calls your name. Don’t let pride, hurt, anger or bitterness stand between you and an eternity with Him. With all her heart, we know she’d say, “Heaven is everything He said, and more. I hope to see you again. Make plans to join me here in this place.”

Momma Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Enoch and Nora Walters, her husband, R.V., her son Larry Sheffield, her brother Oyd Walters, her great grandson Finley Walker.

She is survived by her children Nelda Jean Fincher (Marion) of Mobile, Alabama, Virgil Sheffield of Vernon, Florida, and David Sheffield of Vernon, Florida; her special daughter in love Brenda Carroll (Bobby) who she loved like one of her own, and her sister Shirley Kitchens, Creola, Alabama. Eight grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 19 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and family. 

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held 11 AM Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Holmes Valley Community Church (The Valley) in Vernon, Florida.Graveside will follow at New Hope Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Pall bearers are: Brandon Fincher, Jonathan Fincher, Raymond Sheffield, Mitchell Doan, Bobby Carroll, and John Drummond