The love of music started at home
Sheila Stamper remembers when she was growing up the family reunions would always have instruments with lots of music and everyone would play and sing. Her grandfather, Willard Leisure and her father, Dennis Leisure were the greatest influences for her to love music. Her grandfather told stories about growing up in Kentucky, sitting on the front porch playing music with Bill Monroe. Willard Leisure also invented his own instrument combining the guitar, the harmonica, and a drum being played at the same time. A deep love for music has been in her family as far back as she can remember.
Sheila has been married to David Stamper for almost 30 years. David has been preaching since he was 18 years old. The couple has traveled for many years sharing their music and their love for God. They traveled with their three children, Cody, Aleisha, and Houston, who also played and sang with Sheila. The children are all married and live in Alabama and Tennessee, but Sheila and David continue to travel sharing the Word. The couple’s grandchildren love going to church and love to sing even though they are very young. Nariah, 8, Shakira, 5, Noah, 4 , Eliahs,3, Kinsleigh, 3, and Eza, 2, all enjoy sharing their talents. Sheila hopes the family tradition of being active in the church continues for a long time.
Sheila’s greatest joy is seeing lives touched by God’s presence through the music or gifts he has given to her and her family. Having someone say, “I really needed that song today” has warmed her heart.
Sheila is currently the Worship leader at Shelby Church of God and is the pianist when she and David are not traveling. The couple enjoys their church gatherings because everyone is like their family. Recently, Pastor Lewis invited the congregation to stay after church, visit the large auditorium where they watched the Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. Food and beverages were provided by the members of the church. Sheila loves the warm, friendly atmosphere of her church.