Naoma Caroline Sheely  (11 February 1938 – 5 December 2023)

Naoma was a wife, mother and grandmother who was loved by all who knew her. She passed away in Lehi, Utah, on December 5th, 2023, at the age of 85.

Naoma was born in Oakland, California, on February 11th, 1938. She was the 11th of 13 siblings born to Louis Lorenzo Johnson and Elizabeth Sellers. In her early life, Naoma lived in Oakland, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah.  When Naoma was 11 years old her mother passed away.  From that time, until beginning her studies to become a nurse, she lived in the homes of older siblings.

After obtaining her license as registered nurse, Naoma moved to Central America, where she served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  During the next two years, she served in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  Not only did she have great success teaching people about Jesus Christ and his church, but she also had the opportunity to serve many people in need, using her training as a nurse.  Had it not been for her experience as a nurse, some of those she treated, including missionaries, probably wouldn't have survived.  Another interesting assignment Naoma had on her mission was translating a monthly church magazine, "the Ensign," into Spanish.

After completing her two-year mission, Naoma moved to San Diego to assist her brother who was in the final stages of cancer and needed a nurse to attend to him.  While in San Diego she attended a dance and met John Victor Sheely.  Naoma and John were married on June 15, 1963 in the Los Angeles temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John and Naoma had five children, Eugene Victor Sheely, John Franklin Sheely, Duane Allen Sheely, David La Dell Sheely and Carolyn Diane Sheely Bunnell.  Naoma was a wonderful mother, who dedicated her life to teaching and raising her children.

Naoma was proceeded in death by her husband John Victor and her son John Franklin.  She is survived by four children, 17 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.  Shortly before her death she was thrilled to learn that she has more great-grandchildren on the way. One of the greatest joys in Naoma's life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The lessons she has taught, through her example, will live on in the lives of her decedents for many generations.

Throughout her life, Naoma was an enthusiastic, hard worker who always seemed to be full of energy.  One of her greatest frustrations, in the latter part of her life, was that due to age and sickness she was not able to continue working and helping others as much as she did when she was young.

Naoma was adored by all those she associated with and will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and nurse.  Her influence, for good, will always continue in the hearts of those who knew her.

A viewing for Naoma will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, the 9th of December, 2023 at 3065 North, 1300 West, Lehi, Utah.  A funeral service will be held after the viewing, at the same location, starting at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow the service in the Lehi City Cemetery.