Sheila D Brickhouse

Sheila D. Brickhouse, 64, was born on August 4, 1959, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to James E. Brickhouse Sr. and Mabel (Simpson) Brickhouse. She was the wife of (the late) Sylvester E. “Bobby” Rone Jr. from November 1988 until his passing in August 1997. She was the youngest child of five, having four big brothers- James Jr., Carlton, Cleveland, and lastly, Carnell, whom she could regularly be found trailing and pestering in their younger days! Along with other family members, the Brickhouse family moved to Allentown, PA in 1968.

Sheila was a 1977 graduate of Louis E. Dieruff High School in Allentown, PA, as she regularly spoke of her Husky pride by mentioning that she was the Vice President of her senior class. She aspired to attend college to become a Reading teacher, but she also took immense pride in earning a living, which she did right out of high school at Allentown City Hall. She first worked at the drive-up ticketing booth before moving on to various other administrative roles at City Hall. She also enjoyed a long tenure at Prudential as an Enrollment processor before returning to several administrative roles for over a decade at the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office. Towards the end of her professional career, her compassionate nature led her to become a home health aide for senior citizens, which is the position she held for a few years up until her retirement about two years ago.

She was an avid reader throughout her life, as she could regularly be found reading a novel by Danielle Steel, Mary Monroe or Carl Weber. But undoubtedly, her favorite book was the Holy Bible, which she read daily, specifically early in the morning at sunrise while sitting on her porch enjoying a cup of coffee. During Bible study at church, she was often called on to read bible verses, as her natural voice projection and passion for the Word was felt by all who were nearby. She had several other hobbies that kept her busy such as listening to R&B Soul music and gospel music, playing board games (particularly the game Trouble), watching her beloved HGTV, and playing bingo with friends. When out and about, she could be spotted at a local thrift store with her cousin Pastor Shelby Belfield or trying a new restaurant with her son Sheldon. She had a natural love and compassion for people which allowed for easy conversations with friends and strangers alike, as it was commonplace for her to be called upon for advice, encouragement, and just as a friend who was always willing to listen with an innate aura and presence of motherly affection.

She is survived by her son Sheldon J. Rone of Allentown; brother Carnell Brickhouse of Allentown; stepdaughter Felicia Price of Ashland, VA; stepson Robert M. Harris of Bethlehem; sisters-in-laws Irene Groves of Allentown and Sherrel Enix of Woodbridge, VA; twelve grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her brothers James Jr., Carlton, and Cleveland; stepchildren Kim Rone, Michael Rone, Sylvester E. Rone III, and Estelle Deese; niece Jermaine Brickhouse; and sister-in-law Brenda Law.

Sheila would emphatically say that her greatest accomplishment was becoming a born-again Christian in the late 1990’s, as she was a former member of Union Baptist Church of Allentown and a proud current member of Restoration Temple. Her unwavering love for her Lord and savior Jesus Christ kept her spirits and faith high, even up to her final moments of life. She profoundly mentioned that her heart was at peace right before her passing, as she awaited the transition to the afterlife. Lastly, she confidently encouraged others to love God, have a positive outlook by taking life’s obstacles “one day at a time,” and to love one another unconditionally.

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday December 30, 2023 at 12:30PM in Restoration Temple 1101 W. Tilghman Street-Allentown.  Viewing begins at 11AM.

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