Leola Jean “Bell” Shuler, 62, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on July 11, 2022. She was born on July 15, 1959, in Rochester, NY, to the parents of Elouise Bell and the late Charles Corbett.
Leola graduated at the age of seventeen from “Our Lady of Mercy”, a private school for girls located in Rochester, NY. After completing high school, Leola went on to further her education by receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration and her Associates Degree in Science at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY. In 1987, Leola moved to Florida to pursue a better life for her and her family. After landing her first nursing job at Family Practice Associates where she worked for more than 20 years and retired early. Leola devoted her retirement to raising nearly 12 of her grandchildren.
Leola volunteered a lot of her time to different organizations throughout the community. She was the head cheerleading coach for the Ringling Redskins for years. She was a Sunday School teacher and youth director. She also was a praise and worship leader, church secretary, youth choir director, dance coordinator, evangelist and co-pastor. Leola was also a mentor for young women and a keynote speaker for “Women Speaking with a Purpose” for 10 years.
Her life, her love, her legacy, and her presence will be missed. On July 11, 2022, Leola was called to Heaven by God. No more pain … no more suffering. She was predeceased by her father, Charlie Corbet; and her grandparents, Ola Mae Higdon and James Higdon.
Leola leaves to mourn and cherish her memories her husband, M. C. Shuler; her mother; Elouise Bell; three sons: Oscar W. Bowman, III, Maurice L. Bowman, and Shawn Bowman; a sister, Norma Jean Mayes and brother-in-law, Danny Mayes; 18 grandchildren: Oscar Bowman IV, LaDarius Bowman, D’nasia Bowman, Kiyara Bowman, LaShawn Bowman Jr., Jackiia Bowman, Jai’Rese Bowman, Chittiyah Bowman, Dalisha Bowman, Isaiah Bowman, Israel Bowman, Angelia Bowman, Khloie Bowman, Austin Bowman, Noah Bowman, and Brianna Henry; 11 great-grandchildren: Josiah Bowman, Kaiden Bowman, Kelani Bowman, Londyn Bowman, Chanel Johnson, Kieraney Morris, Malik Taylor, and Kaivon Moran; her special daughters, Alex Moragne, Christy Brown, Toccarra Morris, Shanty Robinson, and Lisa Boykins; her aunts: Ethel Williams, Louise Jones, Elnora Shuler, and Annie Williams; an uncle, Al Higdon; and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be 6-8 P.M. on Friday, July 22, 2022, at Chandler’s Funeral Home, 1425 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL. Homegoing Services will be 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Light of the World International Church, 3809 Chapel Dr., Sarasota, FL. Chandler’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements