Virginia Shepherd

JONESBORO - Virginia Lee Maddox Shepherd, of Jonesboro, passed away July 23, 2025. She was born July 17, 1926, to H.P. Maddox, Sr. and Addie Mae Scruggs Maddox in Harrisburg, where she spent her early life.

After her graduation from Harrisburg High School, she furthered her education at Lindenwood College for Women in St. Charles, Mo., before transferring to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. After deciding to become a teacher by profession, she received her bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University. She further pursued her education at the University of Texas in Austin, where she was awarded her Master of Arts degree in English Literature. An English teacher by profession, Virginia Lee remained in Austin to teach in the public schools. It was there that she met her late husband, Roger David Shepherd, who was also a teacher by profession.

After her marriage to Roger, she resigned her teaching position to join him, along with her young son, Roy, in Stuttgart, Germany, where Roger was stationed in the U.S. Army. The two lived there with Roger until he finished his military service. During that time, they were fortunate to be able to travel extensively throughout Europe and become acquainted with many different cultures. Virginia Lee resumed her teaching career as a substitute teacher in the nearby American Army school, which she observed to be an interesting teaching experience.

In 1960, she and her family returned to the United States where they made permanent residence in Harrisburg, and both she and Roger resumed their teaching careers for many years at Harrisburg High School. They also assumed a position in the family farming operation. A few years after their daughter, Melissa, was born, Virginia Lee once again retired; however, her husband's premature death left her solely in charge of the family farm, a position she continued to hold for many years. Once Melissa was grown, Virginia Lee had the opportunity to fill a position in the English Department at Arkansas State University and again follow the profession she loved dearly.

Always interested in public affairs, Virginia Lee was an elected delegate to the State of Arkansas Constitutional Convention of 1979-1980. She was privileged to be able to attend their 50th reunion in October of 2019 where she happily renewed many old friendships. She was a member of St. Timothy's Anglican Church and was a faithful member of the church choir. Her other memberships included Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher's society; the American Association of University Women; Alpha Omicron Pi, a social sorority; the Tally Club of Jonesboro; the Progressive Club of Harrisburg; and the Harrisburg Garden Club. One of her favorite pastimes was playing bridge with friends. Music was among her greatest joys of life; she started playing the piano and singing at an early age and continued this activity all throughout her adult life. Her grandchildren always played a very important role in her life. Throughout the years, she was blessed to be able to spend quality time with them, no matter how busy she might be, she always reserved special time with them.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger David Shepherd; parents, H.P. Maddox, Sr. and Addie Mae Scruggs Maddox; and four brothers and sisters, Edward Stacey Maddox, Maurine Maddox Sullivant, Vivian Ruth Maddox, and H.P. Maddox, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Roy Maddox Shepherd (Cyndy) and Melissa Shepherd Malone; grandchildren, Cynthia Lee "Cindy" Shepherd, Claire Sterling Edwards (Timothy), Christopher David Shepherd (Mandie), and Courtney Stacy Shepherd; great-grandchildren, Joel Harrison Scott, Trey Jackson Scott (Samantha), Camden Elizabeth Shepherd, and Samuel Wade Edwards; great-great-grandchildren, Lillian Izabella "Izze" Scott, Rhys McGee Scott, and Maximus "Max" Jackson Scott; and trusted companion and dear friend in her later life, Kathryn French.

Visitation will be Saturday July 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home Chapel with a funeral service to follow starting at 1 p.m. with Father Thomas McGhee from St. Timothy's Anglican Church officiating. She will be buried in Harrisburg Memorial Park Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Brian Maddox, Trey Scott, Timothy Edwards, Whit Walls, Ryan Murphy, and Kenny Ryan. Honorary pallbearers are; Kenny and Rebecca Ryan, Billy and Beth Maddox, Dan and Brenda Maddox, Barry and Judy Walls, and Bill and Janet Staed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Timothy's Anglican Church