Laurel Newbold Sheffield passed away on March 2, 2021 in Cumming, Georgia. Laurel was born on September 30, 1943 in Miami to Bob and Lila Newbold. She graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1961 and continued her education at the University of Georgia where she met Ralph Sheffield, her husband of 58 years. After her children graduated high school, Laurel returned to school and earned a degree from the University of North Florida.
Laurel was a tremendous wife, mother, grandmother and educator. She was a highly regarded English teacher at Wolfson High School (Jacksonville, FL) and Sequoyah High School (Canton, GA). She was an inspiration to her students and challenged them to always strive for success. She loved literature and was an avid reader. She also loved music, movies and UGA football.
Laurel's three grandchildren were her pride and joy. She enjoyed a special relationship with each of them and loved spending time with them. No visit to Grandma's was complete without pound cake breakfasts and a tubing trip to Helen.
Laurel was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Robert and Chris Newbold. In addition to her husband, Laurel is survived by her sons, David Sheffield (Meg) of Jacksonville, FL and Tom Sheffield (Cammie) of Canton, GA, and her grandchildren, Lindsay Sheffield of Jacksonville, FL, Justice Sheffield and Thomas Sheffield of Canton, GA. She is also survived by her brother, Evan Newbold.
A memorial service for immediate family will be held on March 5, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Boys Town ( www.boystown.org ).