- Sheila Raye Charles was popular as one out of 12 children born to the legendary musician, Ray Charles
- Her childhood struggles and abuse got her addicted to drugs for 20 years and further incarcerated thrice
- Before her death in 2017 at the age of 53, the singer had already rededicated her life to God and established mediums to share her life story focused on love, hope, and forgiveness
Sheila Raye Charles was a songwriter and singer who is best known as the daughter of the iconic rhythm and blues musician, Ray Charles. Asides from her musical career and father’s fame, the Los Angeles native suffered several cases of abuse as a child that would leave her dependent on drugs.
Nonetheless, the sad events that accompanied her lifestyle brought her to her lowest point. It was at this time she encountered God and turned on a new leave. Thusly, her redemptive story became a hopeful succor to sexually abused victims, drug addicts, and neglected children.
Unfortunately, she battled breast cancer with claimed her life in 2017 at the age of 53 and was survived by her husband Michael Tony Steptoe, 5 children, and grandchildren.
Sheila Raye Charles Had a Rough Childhood
Sheila Raye Charles was born Sheilah Jane Robinson to her parents Ray Charles and Sandra Jean Betts on September 29, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was raised in Cambridge, Ohio primarily by her mother.
Sheila was a product of an extramarital affair hence, she didn’t get much attention from her dad who was focused on his other family and career. According to reports, her father was absent from her life until the age of 14. Growing up, she reportedly became a victim of different kinds of abuse including sexual abuse from other members of her family and strangers.
She also struggled to feel accepted and loved which made her live with a number of relations. At 16, the singer got involved in a near-death accident that left her right eye buried behind her skull and spent many years recovering.
Sheila’s Incarceration Following Drug Addictions and Redemptive Encounter
Everything that Sheila went through in childhood left her empty, rebellious, and dependent on several drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and pills.
Consequently, she struggled with her addictions which saw her imprisoned on three different occasions. On her third prison arrest, she battled thoughts of suicide but later became remorseful after some men preached to her about the Christain God Jesus Christ. It was at this point that her life changed.
Sheila forgave her father for the years he was absent, she also forgave herself and took a new path. Though she had seemingly lost everything including 5 of her children, she somewhat found hope in God. She left the Bryan FPC and Houston Federal Prison after 15 months completely changed and transformed.
She Started Singing After Leaving Prison
Even though Sheila took her father’s musical genes, she never had a career in music until her encounter at the prison. According to her, the Christain God, ‘Jesus’ appeared in her dream telling her to commit her life to music.
Prior to this time, she had tried a career in music with the Paisley Park, Prince studio but it didn’t come through because they were not marketable. Thusly, she started writing songs for musicians and producers.
Nonetheless, on her third return from prison, she started singing and also spreading the news of her reformation and redemption. Her songs depict God’s love and mercy for the world. Some of her songs include;
Asides from music, Sheila also entertained at shows and events to share her story as a source of hope for other addicts. She has also written a book titled “Behind the Shades: Hope Beyond the Darkness” to give an overview of her sad early days and journey through recovery.
Sheila Raye Charles Was Married to Micheal Tony Steptoe
Sheila got married to Micheal Tony Steptoe in 2010, seven years after her release from prison. The pair met in 2008 but details about how they met are not known. Micheal was very supportive through his wife’s recovery process and describes it as a beautiful struggle.
The two soon became instrumental in the recovery of other addicts through the “One Way Up Prison Ministry”, which they founded. This became a medium to share their stories of God’s love and encourage others as well.
Sheila and Micheal also spread their stories across churches, service organizations, and recovery programs. Later, they founded a nonprofit organization “No More Chains” that centered on raising awareness and funding programs. To a large extent, they fought against addictions, incarceration, and human trafficking.
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She Reunited with Her Children After Getting Married
Sheila Raye had five children from her previous relationships before getting married. Though the fathers of her children are not in the picture, they were reportedly four different men. Unfortunately, her children also suffered the same fate as her and were neglected. Furthermore, her addictive lifestyle caused her to lose contact with them.
Details about her children’s identities have not been disclosed to the media. What is known however is that one of her children was born prematurely and weighed 14 ounces. The child also had a hole in his heart and managed to stay alive.
Following her marriage to Micheal, he planned for a reunion between mother and children. It’s been reported that Sheila reunited with three of her children at that time.
Breast Cancer Claimed the Life of Sheila Raye Charles in 2017
Reports confirm that Sheila Raye Charles battled breast cancer and unfortunately succumbed on June 15, 2017. The mother of five was 53 years old when she died in her home in Florida. Information about her cancer struggles only got to the public a few months before her death.
Her husband posted a picture of her on Facebook seeking prayers from fans, friends, and family who in return sent their wishes.
Sheila’s death was preceded by that of her mother who died in 2002 and survived by her husband, 5 children, and grandchildren. Memorials were held in her hometown, Ohio, and Florida to honor her.
Even though Sheila Raye Charles’ life was cut short by cancer, she is remembered as an image of hope for many drug addicts, neglected children, and sexual abuse victims.
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