Sheila was born and lived all her life in Wednesfield and maintained her interest in the Girls' High School up until her death on December 27th 2011. She joined the school in 1938 and had just completed her first year when war broke out. Her memories of her time at WGHS included gardening as part of the war effort as well as opportunities for drama. She was part of the winning Paget House verse speaking team in 1941 and her enthusiasm for all aspects of drama continued right through her life.

She was delighted that her two daughters Catherine (1962-1970) and Elizabeth (1968-1975) followed in her footsteps and would periodically embarrass them by including an update of their careers in editions of the Old Girls' Newsletter. As soon as any of the family returned home they would be regaled with photos and press cuttings of local events. Included in these were details of the centenary weekend which she attended in July 2011 and had thoroughly enjoyed.

She had kept in touch with friends from her time at school and always enjoyed the reunion dinners. On leaving WGHS she trained as a dental nurse in Broad Street, Wolverhampton.

She married Tom Watkins (also from Wednesfield and an ex WGS student) and when her daughters and son Michael were all at school she decided to retrain as a primary teacher. She taught in the Wednesfield area, later joining what was then the multi-cultural service teaching English.

She was a founder member of St Gregory's drama group and continued acting and directing for many years. Up until a few weeks before her death she was selling tickets as "front of house" for the group.

She loved theatre both amateur and professional, supporting the Grand Theatre repertory season.

She had enjoyed languages at WGHS and took her French A level in later life. I think she always regretted not having the opportunity to stay on at school after School Certificate. She was also reasonably fluent in Greek which she learnt through evening classes having become interested whilst on holiday. She loved holidays always telling us on her return that each was the best holiday ever! Her illness was short and she was able to stay in her own home until her death which is what she wanted. She was always a very determined lady!