Sheila W. Brownlow

Sheila Brownlow, 72, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2024, in her home in Bakersfield, CA, surrounded by her loved ones. 

She was born on October 06, 1951, in Bakersfield, CA to RobertO’dell and Sadie O’dell.

Sheila grew up here in Bakersfield, graduating from Bakersfield High School. After high school she attended Cal State University, Bakersfield, where she received her master’s degreein English. After receiving her degree, she went to work for The Bakersfield City School District as an English Teacher and an Academic Coach, where she continued to work for the next 16 years, even winning Teacher of the Year in 2002. Sheila was an amazing teacher, and she loved each and every one of her students like they were her own.

Sheila married Isaac Brownlow in 1986 here in Bakersfield, CA. At the time of her passing they had been married for 38 years.Their love story is as close to love at first sight as it gets anymore. He bought her a drink one Saturday night while she was out with friends, and I do believe it was that following Monday she was home before we got out of school to introduce my brother and I to him and our new brother. For the next almost 40 years I watched this man love my mom like she was the air that kept him alive. Their love for each other was magical, it was true, it is a love that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.  

Sheila is survived by her spouse Isaac Brownlow; her daughters Shannon Arias and Michelle Petty; her sons Patrick Ingham and Drew Brownlow; her brother Don O’dell and sister-in-law Beverly O’dell; her grandchildren Ryan Arias (Perla Arias), Nichole Arias (Sabrina Arias), Kody Phillips (Natalie Phillips), Grant Petty, Anna Grace Petty, Jade Ingham, Isis Brownlow, Spencer Ingham, and Kai Ingham, and her great-grandchildren Aaliyah Arias and Forrest Phillips.

Sheila was the definition of a model of love, compassion, and generosity, even until her very last moments with us her on earth. Her mission in life was one that made a significant difference in the lives of many people. She left like she loved – gently, saying goodbye to all her loved ones, and giving each one of us a little something to remember her by. She was truly a one-of-a-kind woman. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6706 Houghton Road, Bakersfield, CA  93313. The family will be greeting friends and relatives on March 16, 2024, at 2:00pm.

It was Sheila’s request that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to SPCA in her remembrance. Condolences may be left on Sheila Brownlow’s online guest book at www.bashamfuneralcare.com.