Shyla Flood

WILMINGTON: It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Shyla Nicole Flood who left us on September 15, 2024 in Wilmington, NC. She is a Davidson County native and is the daughter of Shannon Tolson and husband Allen and Jeffery Flood.



Shyla has always been extremely close to her family. As a child, everyone remembers her as the person all the younger cousins looked up to. She was so smart and aced her honors and college level classes with ease. She would light up a room, and her laughter and smile were contagious. Just being around her sparked a fire and made you want to be the best version of yourself. She was so proud of every single one of her family members for all they had accomplished and loved talking about their successes.



Shyla was one of those people who demanded that she not be remembered for the piece of her life where addiction caused her to lose everything, but for the life she chose to live after.

She gave herself and every single person she has ever loved the gift of her recovery.



In the most recent years, we have witnessed her gain her confidence, work hard, claim her independence, buy a car, and move into her own home. She did this with the support of wonderful friends, co-workers, and family that helped guide her through and stay on the right path. She mended relationships that had been impacted by difficult times and showed everyone how much she loved them, every moment she could.



Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her children. Her role as a mother changed throughout her addiction but she worked so hard to be someone that they one day could look up to. She loved seeing them grow and achieve all of their goals. Excelling at sports, school, and everything else. This was part of her healing journey, knowing that all four of her children were loved and safe.



She is preceded in death by Grandmother, Barbara Smith McKague and Grandfather, Holly Wayne Smith. She is survived by her children, Dakota Gardner, Holly Gardner, Emma Gardner, and Aleigh Saunders; Grandfather, Ronald McKague; Grandmother, Daphna Martinez and husband Nino; Sister, Brittany Miller and fiancé Bruce Lee; Brother, Justin Flood; Aunts Roxana Smith, Misty Wilson (Mitchell Young), Lena Smith, Sophia Marinez, and Darlene Blake; Uncles, David Smith, and Patrick Flood;nephews; and many cousins.

Her family would like to thank you for your continued support, prayers, thoughts and love during this devastating time. A memorial is being planned in her honor.



A celebration of life is being planned in her honor at a later date. Aquamation services are entrusted to Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation in Wilmington.