Shelia P. Matthews

Shelia Patricia Matthews, 66, of Albany, NY passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Shelia took her rest, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, faith, and unconditional love.

Born on February 19, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland, Shelia was the daughter of the late Gloria Jean Bulluck and James Davis. She was a proud graduate of Patterson Senior High School. She began her professional life as a secretary at Key Stock & Shipping in Baltimore, but it was after relocating to Albany, New York that she found her true calling.

As a Peer Coach at the Capital District African American Coalition on AIDS (CDAACA), Shelia became a fierce and devoted advocate for those living with HIV. Her work wasn't just a job; it was a passion. She poured her heart into her community, building life-long friendships and offering a voice to the underserved.

Shelia was a woman of profound faith and a devoted Christian who walked her path with grace. To know Shelia was to know a "lovable" spirit—the kind of person who would give her last dime if it meant seeing someone else prosper. Though life took her many miles from her roots, she remained the heartbeat of her family, staying deeply involved in the lives of those she loved regardless of the distance.

In her quieter moments, Shelia found joy in her companion, her dear cat Molly. For 16 years, she loved and cared for her.

Shelia is now reunited with her beloved husband, Darryl Matthews Sr.; Son, Darryl Matthews Jr.; Brothers, Michael Bulluck, James Davis Jr., Sister, Cassie Davis; Granddaughters, Darrylshay Matthews & Tysheria Matthews; Great-granddaughter Ty’Onna Jackson; Parents, Gloria Jean Bulluck and James Davis; Grandparents Maggie Lee & Celeste Daniels, affectionately known as Momma and Daddy.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughters, Sheena Bradley (Takeam Bradley) & Stephanie Matthews, two step-sons Antione Matthews and Tavon Adams, her siblings, Daphne, Bonita, Barbara Jean, Angela, Kelvin, Renee, Jerome, Hershaw, Jacqueline, Michelle; Grandchildren: Tyeisha, ZaVea, Darryl III (Kiasha), Semiya, Sha-Zeir, Darrell, Takeam Jr., and Samarii. Great- Grandchildren, Ne’Vaeh, Zalayah, X’avier, Aizen, Darryl IV, Jayden, Darryl’Lani, Darryl’Mya and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched so deeply.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” II Timothy 4:7

A calling hour will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A funeral service to immediately follow at 2 p.m.