Sheena Warren Walker

Some people spend their lives following a path. Sheena Warren Walker preferred creating her own.

An artist, pilot, designer, gardener, entrepreneur and lifelong adventurer, Sheena approached life with remarkable creativity, fierce independence and an unwavering curiosity about what might come next. Throughout her life, she continually reinvented herself, embracing new passions with the same enthusiasm that led her to earn a pilot's license in the 1960s, pursue careers spanning art and design, cultivate extraordinary gardens and travel the world.

Born Sheena Lane Warren on August 9, 1941, she graduated from Salem College with a degree in art history at a time when few women completed four-year college degrees. As a senior, she married Captain James Baker Woods III (Jimmy) before joining him in Hawaii during his military service in the Vietnam era. Their son, Blain, was born in Honolulu in 1964. Just fourteen months later, Jimmy passed away while serving his country, leaving Sheena a young widow with an infant son.

In the midst of profound grief, Sheena chose an unexpected path forward. After spotting a sign for flight lessons, she enrolled in flight school and earned her pilot's license, a bold decision that reflected the adventurous spirit that would define the rest of her life. Aviation also led her to meet her second husband, Richard N. Hodgin (Rick), through the Civil Air Patrol flying out of the same airport, with whom she shared 27 years of marriage and raised four children. Later in life, she married Kenneth Walker, whose love of adventure matched her own. Together they explored the world, from the Mediterranean and Morocco to Ireland, Alaska, Belize and beyond.

Professionally, Sheena's creativity knew few boundaries. Over the course of her life she was an artist, graphic designer, ceramicist, florist, interior designer, furniture maker, art teacher and accomplished gardener. Whether creating by hand at her drafting table, arranging flowers, designing interiors or tending her gardens, she found joy in transforming ordinary things into something beautiful.

Her homes reflected that same gift. Visitors were welcomed by flourishing gardens, thoughtfully designed landscapes and warm hospitality. She loved entertaining family and friends, hosting bridge clubs, bunco groups, neighborhood gatherings and holiday celebrations with beautifully set tables, treasured china and enough linens and serving pieces for every imaginable occasion.

Animals also seemed instinctively drawn to her, and over the years many beloved strays found both a home and a devoted companion in Sheena.

Those who knew Sheena understood she possessed a personality as colorful as the paintings she created. She was witty, dramatic, endlessly entertaining and never one to let complete accuracy stand in the way of a great story. Her laughter could fill a room, and so could her presence.

Like many remarkable people, Sheena's life was not without hardship. Yet even while navigating those challenges, she never stopped creating beauty for those around her through her art, gardens, generosity, adventurous spirit and deep love for her family.

Sheena was preceded in death by her first husband, Captain James Baker Woods III, her mother, Marguerite Lay Maddock, and her husband, Kenneth Walker.

She leaves behind her son, Blain Woods, affectionately known as her "Joy", and wife, Tracey, along with their children, John (wife Maggie and great-grandchildren, Annie and Lucy) and Jim; daughter Molly "the Boss" Thompson and husband, Chandler, and their boys Cooper and Cameron; daughter Page "the Business Woman" Kluttz and husband, Ed, and their children, Claire, Sam and Bailey; and daughter Erin "the Smart One" Caulder and husband, Daniel Dodson, along with their children, Celia Mae, Alex, Asher and CJ. She is also survived by a beloved sister, Patty, three nephews and their families, and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by her creativity, generosity and unmistakable spirit.

In the final years of Sheena's life, our family was blessed by caregivers who became part of our family. We are especially grateful to Wanda Wall of ComForCare Home Care, whose own fiery spirit made her a perfect match for Sheena from the start. After Ken's passing, Wanda brought Mame Lo into our lives, and for the past two years, Mame cared for Sheena with extraordinary love, patience and dignity.

Mame came to understand Sheena better than almost anyone, learning her cues, her preferences and what she needed even when she could no longer easily express it herself. She washed and styled her hair, painted her fingernails bright colors for every occasion, dressed her beautifully each day, tucked her in at night and woke her gently each morning. She cared not only for Sheena, but for all of us, giving our family the extraordinary gift of knowing that Mamma was loved, understood and beautifully cared for. Mamma was a blessing to our family, and we will be forever grateful to her and to Wanda for bringing her into our lives.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 30, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Chaplain Dr. Eddie Etienne. A reception celebrating Sheena's life will follow at the home of Blain and Tracey Woods, and all are welcome.

In keeping with Sheena's colorful spirit, the family invites guests to wear their brightest attire, favorite statement jewelry or something that simply makes them smile. She would have loved nothing less.