Sheila Hoyle McMahan

Sheila Hoyle McMahan, age 74, of Sylva, NC (Willets Community), passed away peacefully in her home on October 07, 2025, while being surrounded by her family. She had fought a long and hard battle with rheumatoid arthritis, blindness, pancreatic cancer, and dementia. She never gave up, and she never complained, only praising God for His Goodness. She loved her family dearly, and they loved her and are relieved that she is no longer suffering and that she is now at peace in Heaven.

In her early adult years, Sheila drove a school bus for Jackson County Public Schools and worked at Smith’s Drug Store in Waynesville until her first child was born. The remainder of her life, she was a homemaker and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved crafts, and her home is full of beautiful items that she made. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Catherine Gunter Hoyle, and two special grandmothers, Parthenia Hoyle and Pearlee Gunter. She is survived by two beloved brothers, Tommy Hoyle (Stephanie) of Gardnerville, NV, and David Hoyle of Bucharest, Romania. She is also survived by the love of her life, her devoted husband of 55 years, Tommy McMahan; two sons who were her pride and joy, Brian McMahan (Luisa) and Brent McMahan (Louanne); and her three little angels (grandchildren), Spencer, Henry, and Annie McMahan. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and special friends. She was always so proud of her Gunter, Hoyle, and McMahan family.

She was a member of the Balsam Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully worshiped and served until her health prevented her from going. She was a great prayer warrior and lived her faith through her expression of kindness to others.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held at Balsam Missionary Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with the Rev. Lee Brooks and Rev. Greg Cullen officiating. Her oldest son, Brian McMahan will deliver the Eulogy. Immediately following the memorial service, the family will host a time of fellowship with friends and family in the church fellowship hall for those wishing to pay their respects. A private inurnment will take place in the Balsam Missionary Baptist Church cemetery at a later date for the family.

If you wish to make monetary donations, please send them to Balsam Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 281, Balsam, NC 28707. For all other inquiries, contact Brian McMahan at 828-508-1466.

The care of Ms. McMahan has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville