Sheila Borchers, age 89, was born on Feb. 1, 1931 to John Francis and Marie Connell Leonard in Yorkshire, England. She passed away on July 27, 2020 in Crossville, TN. As being raised during the Nazi’s Blitzkrieg over England during WWII, Sheila, as well as the majority of British citizens, was conscripted by way of mandatory support of war efforts at young ages – a powerful as well as tide-turning idea understood as Nationalism. Sheila worked most of her years as a switchboard operator for British Telecom out of London. However, it would become clear that the greatest connection she would ever make would be years later after immigrating to the United States of America. It was here that her desire to learn to drive on the vast American roads in furtherance of an independent lifestyle led her to apply for a position with the local Cumberland County School System as a substitute teacher. Starting out at the elementary school level, she worked mostly with special education students, but trying at times as that could be, her vitality and persistence eventually led to Sheila being requested by individual teachers throughout the plateau, even at CCHS. Yet, her choice of location was that of the alternative school, later named The Phoenix School. It was where students of ill report, recurring infractions, etc., were sent as a last resort before expulsion from the school year was the only option. To this day, young men and women have stopped myself and my mother to make mention of just how much Miss Sheila helped them feel as though someone actually cared and listened to them. “They’re genuinely lovely lads and lasses, perhaps some just need to be treated as such.”
On her own time, Sheila was always actively performing in or supporting a local theater troupe for the Cumberland County Playhouse. She devoted a number of years to sketching and oil painting, which she has won several local awards and had stacks of personal art intended for later catalog. A nighttime ritual was to reach over and randomly choose one of the many classic literary works stacked by her bed and pick up where she left off the night before. She would do this three to five times a night until she fell asleep.
But all these are skills that are taught, she never had to pay much attention when working with plants. During early mornings and summertime afternoons, she could often be found amidst her rows of sown produce. Whilst in winter months, the potted herbs were always brought in like clockwork to save them from frost.
Even more than any of this, you would find her at any given moment or location singing to herself. She was always very keen to music throughout her life from dancing at Benny Goodman shows while in England, to acting in the chorus parts in the theater, or singing backup harmonies for her husband at home.
Sheila is undoubtedly one of the most positively genuine souls one could be fortunate to encounter in society today. Perhaps what is needed are more teachers like “Miss Sheila.”
She is survived by her husband, Paul Henry Borchers; son, John Paul Borchers, David Stuart Borchers, and Allen Paul Borchers; daughter, Julie Patricia Greenwood; grandchildren, Jason Menzinger, Simon Greenwood, Michelle Greenwood, Amber Claire Louise Paletz, Schanni Holland, Sabrina Raquel Backlin, Jacob Leland Borchers, and Nathaniel David Borchers; great grandchildren, Ian Plaison Borchers, Aura Azriel Borchers, Rebeccah Marina Raine Greenwood, Dean Hart, Stacey Ann Bates, Casey Dee Davis, Parry Ron Winchester, Mason Davis, Lewis Paletz, Alexander John Greenwood, Celia Greenwood, Leon Greenwood, Megan MacArther, Chloe Roiser, Brielle Backlin and Ellowyn Backlin; and great great grandchildren, Rachael Bates, Rebecca Bates, Ronnie Bates, Rachael Rebecca Londyn Raine Greenwood, Danny Davis, Jack Davis, Maisie Rosa Watson, Joseph Ryan Watson, Jack Joe Watson, Tommy Watson, and Louis Jay Watson.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and her children, Gary Preston Greenwood, Eric Patrick Greenwood, and Julian Paul Greenwood.
Family will receive friends on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 5 – 8 at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services for Sheila will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 10 at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (1461 Sparta Hwy Crossville, TN) with Rev. John L. Beabout officiating. She will be laid to rest in New Era Cemetery.
