Born Sheila Audrey Grey-Wilson in Belize, formerly British Honduras, she was the youngest of six children. Sheila Audrey Hewitt, a retired homemaker, died at the age of 80 on June 10, 2004 at St. Joseph Medical Center after suffering from multiple complications following surgery.
Family members of Sheila Audrey Hewitt were here in the island last week on vacation and also looking for more information on their mother’s family in Belize and also to learn more about their mother’s reign as a former Miss British Honduras. But the main purpose of them being here was to spread the ashes of their beloved mother in the island of St. George’s Caye, the island Sheila loved so dearly.
Her grandfather, Sir William Grey-Wilson was appointed by Queen Victoria to serve as Governor of the Fiji Islands, the Falkland islands from 1897-1904 and the Bahamas from 1904-1912. Her father Vyvyan Grey-Wilson was appointed by King George VI as Colonial Secretary of the Treasury of British Honduras.
Sheila lived in British Honduras for about 23 years and while she lived in Belize she spent a great time in San Pedro and St. George’s Caye since she loved being near the ocean. At the age of 17, she was crowned Miss Belize City and went on to become Miss British Honduras.
In 1945, she was the first Grey-Wilson to move to the United Sates of America. There she married to Capt. James L. Hewitt and started her family in New Orleans, Louisiana and in 1957 the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland.
Known by family and friends for her outgoing personality, she enjoyed ballroom dancing, hosting parties and traveling throughout the United States, England and Canada. She was an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast.
Her love for the ocean and St. George’s Caye, combined with her daring nature, led her to swim even in pre-hurricane conditions. As a young child she survived a devastating hurricane that nearly destroyed British Honduras. After arriving in Baltimore, she launched disaster relief efforts to aid victims of subsequent hurricanes in British Honduras, namely Hurricane Hattie in 1961.
Sheila actively participated in her children’s school and extracurricular activities. Her four children graduated from Hereford High School, where the Sheila A. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually in her name to recognize and promote students seeking a career in the medical field.
Sheila is survived by her husband of 56 years, Captain James l. Hewitt, a retired Maryland Bay Pilot. She was the loving mother of Sharon D. Hewitt-Admas, Lauren Hewitt Botti, Scott L. Hewitt and Janice D. Mickey. Other survivors include her nine grandchildren; Craig A. Shepperd, Thomas S. Mickey, Ashley E. Adams, Hollis M. Botti, Carly E. Botti, Paige A. Botti, Bryan H. Bottti, Shannon K. Mickey, Collin H. Mickey and three sons-in-law; Thomas W. Adams, Frederick G. Botti and Bruce A. Mickey.
Ambergris Today expresses condolences to the family members and congratulates them on their visit to find out more about Sheila’s roots.
Caption:
1. Mrs. Sheila Audrey Hewitt
2. Sheila’s family arrive in Belize to learn more of her past
3. Sheila Hewitt crowned Miss Belize City
