Shelia Eldred

CHAPEL HILL, NC – Sheila Perdue Eldred, age 67, sadly passed away in her home on January 9, 2026. She was born on November 24, 1958, to the late Pearl Clark Perdue and Fred Lee Perdue.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Sheila was a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, whose open heart and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. She graduated from East Side High School in 1976 and then graduated from Clemson University in 1980. She was a steadfast Tigers fan, tuning in to every game, wearing orange and purple whenever she could and maintaining friendships from Clemson for decades.

Sheila started her career in the travel industry, where she made many of her lifelong friends. She then worked for Orange United Methodist Church as their financial secretary for nearly 22 years before retiring in 2023 to spend more time with her family, especially her three grandkids, who are 5 and 4.

A kid at heart, Sheila loved all things Disney, especially taking mother-and-daughter trips to Disney World and going on Disney Cruises with her whole family. Her grandkids could always count on their Nana being okay with a movie-and-snacks marathon.

Sheila loved music and was always singing. She enjoyed going to Broadway musicals with family and friends, and always had music playing in the car, in the office and at home. During her life, she prioritized seeing live music, seeing acts from The Beatles to The Mavericks.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Timothy Burton Eldred, her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Christopher Riddle, and her three grandsons, August, Miles and Ethan Riddle.

As we mourn the loss of Sheila Perdue Eldred, we remember her generous spirit and the loyal devotion she showed to those she loved. May her spirit continue to live on through the many lives she touched, remembered always and missed beyond words.

Funeral services honoring Sheila’s life will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Orange United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 11 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. All are welcome for a reception following the service in the OUMC Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Orange United Methodist Church.

The Eldred family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.