Meaningful Reflections: Messages for Life from Shelia Ross 

By Kim Crawford Meeks
Spiritual Health & Counseling Manager

USA Health recently experienced the incredible loss of Shelia Ross, DNP, the director of the comprehensive stroke program for the academic health system. I spent time with Shelia shortly before her passing, and I wanted to share these important messages from her to her USA Health family. 

Shelia’s message to love your work 

I love my work. I am very proud of the programs I have been a part of building and leading. I love being in a teaching hospital, love working with the residents, staff, nurses, and leadership. Most who know me can attest University Hospital is my second home. This is truly my family, and I love hearing “Mama Shelia” ring out in the hallways or during a stroke code. I love my team and have enjoyed their growth and being a part of such a dynamic group of professionals. One of the most humbling moments in my career, but that I am most proud of, was being nominated and receiving the Christie Miree Award in 2019. Reading the letters and comments of patients and colleagues submitted to support the nomination was humbling and so terribly kind and sweet. I was very honored. 

Shelia’s message to know your happy places 

My happy places are our home and my screened-in back porch and yard. Jay (my husband) lovingly calls my back porch “The Jungle.” I love to plant seeds or infant plants and see them grow and bloom. The beauty unfolds each day. I love unusual plants and flowers. I have an eclectic array of flowers, plants and trees. As a child, although our house was not the most beautiful structure, my mother always planted and had the most beautiful flowers and garden. 

My second happy place is our condo on Dauphin Island. I love the beach and hearing the waves crashing. I love to sit on our balcony and watch the birds and dragonflies and enjoy the sun. I feel closest to God sitting on that balcony or digging in the dirt caring for my plants and flowers. You will find dragonflies all over my yard and homes. I have them in my office, and they symbolize the connection between the living and those that have gone before us to myself and my girls. 

Shelia’s message of gratitude 

I have been blessed with all my family and friends. To be able to do what I love to do, care for our patients, and trying to make a positive impact on the future in this world of ours. Thank you to all family, friends, and strangers who have prayed for me throughout my cancer journey. I can attest that, although the cancer has been resistant to treatment and continued to grow, I was calm and have felt great throughout the treatments. That can only be attributed to the power of prayer and being in our gracious God’s hands. 

Someone asked me recently what my favorite color is. If you looked at my yard and house, it would be hard to choose just one. However, if I did choose one it would be purple – all shades of purple. When you see a purple bloom, please think of me. You are my sunshine. I hope I have been a little sunshine for you. 

Mama Shelia 

We have gardeners and flowers in the world, and all are needed. Dr. Shelia Yvonne Compton Ross was a gardener. She had a green thumb and a heart of gold, and she nurtured and cared for life through her garden, through our patients, families, and employees of USA Health. She planted seeds of life in more people than we will ever know. 

When I went over to Jay and Shelia’s house Friday, Sept. 6, Shelia said to me “I’m not here dying. I’m here living.” Her message in her story, in her work, and in her life is to live, and to live with hope. May we all allow Shelia’s seeds of hope to bloom and grow in our lives. 

Shelia collected pouring pitchers as she referred to beautiful vessels from around the world. Shelia poured into everything and everyone. May we all allow Shelia’s seeds of dedication to serving the world to bloom and grow in our lives. 

Mama Shelia, thank you for loving us at USA Health and all over the world. 

Learn more about Spiritual Health and Counseling at USA Health. Patients, family members, and USA Health associates are encouraged to call the Meaningful Reflections Line at 251-445-9016 for a daily recorded word of encouragement.