Sheila Mae Langham

Sheila Wirick Langham, 74, of Winnsboro, Texas, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026. Sheila was born May 22, 1952, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Donald and Ruby Mae (Lambert) Wirick. Her family later moved to El Dorado, Arkansas, where Sheila spent her childhood. Her outgoing personality, creativity, and positive spirit made her a natural cheerleader during her high school years.

At the University of Arkansas, Sheila joined Delta Delta Delta sorority and continued to embrace life with the enthusiasm for which she was known by her family and friends. After graduation, while raising her daughter, Aliana, Sheila became a successful professional photographer. Photography allowed her to combine her creativity with her love of adventure and brought her into a community of fellow creative spirits.

Sheila was a pirate at heart-adventurous, fearless, and always ready to see where life might take her. She loved sailing, even sinking a boat or two along the way, windjammer cruises, and her travels which took her around the world, including Peru, India, the Hawaiian Islands, Costa Rica, Grenada, Puerto Rico and Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Throughout her life, Sheila called Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mexico, and Florida home, making friends and finding adventure wherever she went.

She eventually retired to Merritt Island, Florida, where she enjoyed the beauty and outdoor life she loved so much. But family ultimately called her home to Texas, where she moved to be closer to her daughter, Aliana, and granddaughter, Sloane.

In recent years, Sheila found joy in nature and the outdoors, yoga, tending to her flowers and garden, music, and the close connections she shared with family and friends. Her greatest joy, however, was the special bond she shared with Sloane, who lovingly called her "Gia."  Sloane spent many afternoons after school at Gia's cottage, often accompanied by Sheila's two beloved cats, and the two shared a love of creativity as well as watching Indiana Fever and Arkansas Razorback games together.

Sheila was a force of joy and peace. She lived with curiosity, creativity, courage, and an open heart. Her gentle kindness, adventurous spirit, and love for those around her will always be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Ruby Mae Wirick. She is survived by her daughter, Aliana Richey and loving husband Jonathan; granddaughter, Sloane Miller; sisters, Gail Dyer of Sugar Land, Texas, and Donna Slayton of Bella Vista, Arkansas; and nieces, Michelle Slayton of Burleson, Texas, and Kim Slayton Krummen of Springdale, Arkansas.

A private service will be held. A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the home of Sheila's daughter, Aliana.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Winnsboro Center of the Arts in Sheila's memory.