In Loving Memory of Sheila Lorraine Johnson Beene Royal Smith Lee Solomon

Sheila Lorraine Johnson Beene Royal Smith Lee Solomon was born on April 27, 1959, to Barbara Johnson and Cecile Beene in Toledo, Ohio.

Sheila, 67, of Bettendorf, IA, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Thomas Place Bettendorf.

Sheila was a proud 1977 graduate of United Township High School. She later continued her education at Black Hawk College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree from Marycrest College, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, graduating with a 3.5 GPA. Following her undergraduate studies, Sheila enrolled in the MBA program at St. Ambrose University, where she focused on managing nonprofit organizations and achieved a 3.8 GPA.

A dedicated professional and entrepreneur, Sheila developed, licensed, owned, and operated Alcohol & Drug Educational Services (ADES), providing counseling services through offices at the Martin Luther King Center and in downtown Rock Island, Illinois.

Her entrepreneurial spirit extended into retail, where she owned and operated several businesses, including The African Connection at NorthPark Mall, a gift shop at the Black Hawk Hotel, and Connections, located downtown across from the Radisson Hotel in Davenport, Iowa. She also managed an online retail store, Nubian Treasures.

Sheila was the founder of Tell Them Who I Am Ministries, a reflection of her lifelong commitment to faith and ministry. She was baptized in Jesus’ name at the age of seven and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at age thirteen at the Pentecostal Church of God in Davenport, Iowa.

Her passion for music and ministry began at a young age. At just thirteen years old, Sheila began ministering through music, playing the keyboard, organ, and piano. Throughout her life, she served as a praise and worship leader, singer, music teacher, and choir director at numerous churches, including Pentecostal Church of God, Pentecostal Deliverance, Truth Temple, Victory Temple, Jerusalem Temple, and others. She especially enjoyed teaching Sunday School and ministering to others.

Sheila also dedicated several years to education, serving as an educator with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and the Rock Island School District (RISD).

Her commitment to community service was equally remarkable. She was the president and founder of the 613 Block Club and the Centennial Neighborhood Association in Rock Island, Illinois. A passionate gardener, Sheila established a community garden that also served daily summer meals to youth and their families while providing activities and opportunities for Rock Island residents to come together. She was a certified Master Gardener through the Rock Island County Extension of Illinois.

Throughout her years of service, Sheila participated in numerous nonprofit committees and boards, including several mayor-appointed committees in both Iowa and Illinois. She was appointed to the Beautification Committee in Rock Island, Illinois, and remained actively involved in community initiatives and events. Among her contributions was helping organize the first Juneteenth celebration in Davenport, Iowa, alongside a group of Black social workers.

Sheila’s life was defined by faith, education, entrepreneurship, service, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Through her work, ministry, businesses, music, and community involvement, she touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the communities she served.

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory

Sheila leaves behind her mother, Barbara Royal of East Moline, Illinois; her three sons, Corey Smith of Davenport, Iowa; Stanley Smith (Katrina) of Rock Island, Illinois; and Joshua Smith (Candace) of Carrollton, Texas; her sisters, Sonya Royal of Houston, Texas, and Cecilia Beene Griffin of Tupelo, Mississippi; and her brother, Joseph Royal of Florida.

She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Corey Smith (Jenie), Jaquez Smith, Brendan Smith, Santana Smith, Mason Smith, Addison Smith, and Avin Smith; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Those Who Preceded Her in Death

Sheila was preceded in death by her husband, Luis Solomon Jr.; father, Cecile Beene; Joseph Royal Sr.; her sister, Cynthia Mann; and her brother, Keith Royal.

Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation. Burial, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on her memory page at www.mvcremation.com.