Cynthia Whitehead Sheppard

Cynthia Jane Whitehead Sheppard, 86, passed away at her home on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, Mississippi, with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. The service will be officiated by her son, Rev. Chris Sheppard. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at Memory Chapel, preceding the service. Born on June 6, 1939, in Woodville, Mississippi, Cynthia was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sample Douglas Whitehead. She graduated from Woodville High School and continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. On July 10, 1960, she married the love of her life, Dr. David Lee Sheppard, Sr. They made their home in Laurel, where Cynthia began a lifelong career in education with the Laurel City Schools. She taught at Stone Deavours, Lamar, Stanton, Mason, Powers, and Bay Springs Elementary Schools. After retiring, she continued teaching second grade at Laurel Christian School. “Miss Sheppard” had a gift for teaching children to read, sing, square dance, and—most importantly—believe they were special. Following her “second retirement,” Cynthia devoted her time and talents to serving the Laurel–Jones County community. She shared her love for floral design, her attention to detail, and her passion for mentoring others. She was a member of the Guild at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, an active member of the Three Arts League, and an active member of the Park Place Garden Club, where she founded the Dandy Lion Junior Garden Club. She also served as Regent of the Nahoula Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a role she especially enjoyed as she often included “her David” in its activities. Cynthia and David were longtime members of Justice Heights United Methodist Church and Franklin Methodist Church. In the later years of their lives, they found great joy in the fellowship of First Methodist Church in Ellisville. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved David, and sister, Joy Douglas Whitehead Brown. She is survived by her children: Rev. Chris Sheppard (wife Christy) of Brookhaven and Cellie Scoggin (husband Patrick) of Laurel; her cherished grandchildren: Patrick Lee Scoggin (wife Kyasia), Tom Scoggin (wife Erin), Annie Ebbers (husband Elijah), and Maggie Sheppard; and great-grandchildren: Elliot, Mya, Eden, Joel, Ruby, and Shep Scoggin. She is also survived by her “baby sister”, Carrie Lynn Whitehead Cupit (husband Donny). Cynthia Sheppard will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, beloved grandmother, “Mama Cynk,” “Aunt Cynk,” dear friend, and respected educator whose legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Those wishing to honor Cynthia’s memory may consider Grace Life Church of Brookhaven Building Fund, 220 South Jackson Street, Brookhaven, MS, or Kids First Education Scholarship Foundation. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Cynthia Whitehead Sheppard

June 6, 1939 - April 30, 2026