Caroline Sheets

Caroline Luce Harrison Sheets — known as "DeeDee" to her family and close friends — was born at St. Louis Maternity Hospital Sept. 26, 1928, in St. Louis, the daughter of Arthur William and Marie Patton "BeBe" Harrison. She was 93, when she passed away Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau, while holding the hands of her daughters.

Caroline Sheets

DeeDee grew up in Cape Girardeau and attended Washington and Lorimier schools, before attending Monticello Preparatory Junior College for high school. She graduated from high school at 16 and began studying at Southeast Missouri State Teachers College, as it was known then. Her interests there were vocal music, literature and history.

After World War II ended, she married Jack Lusk Sheets on June 4, 1946. They traveled and lived in various cities for four years, before resettling in Cape Girardeau to rear their children, Jay, Pam and Sue.

As a young family, they were very active with multiple interests and businesses, including farming, cattle ranching, traveling, retail sales and child rearing and had an active social life.

DeeDee was a member of various organizations, including PEO Chapter GF, Daughters of the American Revolution and Cape Choraliers. She was a member of the Clio Society during her years spent at Southeast Missouri State Teachers College.

After rearing her young children, DeeDee returned to work and was hired specifically to be head of circulation at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. It was a good fit since she had always been an avid reader. She had a love of learning and a vast store of knowledge on any number of topics. Her advice, as well as Jack's, was "learn one new thing every day," and she lived that every day.

After retiring, her interests were always on family, followed closely by traveling, her pets, gardening, cooking, spending time at her beloved cottage in Onekama, Michigan, and even in her 90s, a good party. You may have even seen DeeDee driving around town, taking one of her dogs for a car ride, joy on both of their faces.

DeeDee lived her life fully; she fiercely loved her family, her country and learning. She was charming and beautiful on the outside and inside, and had faith and knowledge. She was, and will continue to be, loved by her family and friends alike.

DeeDee is survived by her three children, Dr. Jay (Chris) Sheets, Pam (Al) Spradling and Dr. Susan Sheets. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Jordan (Lainey) Sheets, Emily (Garrett) Harrington, Bert (girlfriend Brandy Kearbey) Spradling, Brooke Spradling, Alex (Tiffany) Spradling and Ross H. (Sarah) Freeman; and five great-grandchildren, Kamryn and Jackson Spradling, Molly and Jillian Spradling and Audrey Harrington.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Lusk Sheets; great-grandson, William Michael Freeman; brothers, Donald L. Harrison and Arthur (Jack) Harrison; and her beloved recent dogs, Thor and Daisy.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral home.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at the funeral home, followed by a private family internment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southeast Missouri Pets (formerly Humane Society), Weimaraner Rescue or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.