February 10, 1935 – March 19, 2023
Dr. Jacqueline Ruth Shepperson of Hopewell, VA peacefully entered eternal rest on March 19, 2023, at her home in Hopewell, VA, at the age of 88. Jacqueline was born on February 10, 1935, in Hopewell, VA, to Weaver Augustus Shepperson, Sr. and Ruth Jones Shepperson.
Jacqueline grew up in Hopewell, VA where she became a lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church, served as director for three local playgrounds, and attended primary school. Jacqueline attended Peabody High School in Petersburg, VA. After graduating from Peabody at the age of 15, she enrolled in Virginia State College (University) where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Jacqueline then received a Master of Science degree in Education from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. She attained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Zoology from Howard University, Washington, DC, in 1959.
Dr. Shepperson began her career as a college educator as a biology professor at Howard. She then took a position at Fort Valley State College (University) in GA where she taught biology, anatomy, and physiology. In 1965, Dr. Shepperson joined the faculty at Winston-Salem State College (University) in North Carolina. During her 35 distinguished years at Winston-Salem State, Dr. Shepperson became Chairperson of the Natural Sciences Department, published numerous academic papers, and instructed many future scientists, physicians, and academic professionals. She was a member of the North Carolina Academy of Sciences and the National Scientific Honor Society (Beta Kappa Chi).
Upon retirement in 2000, Jacqueline returned to Hopewell where she reconnected with Friendship Baptist Church, often attending services with her sister Doris. She wrote and published six children’s books based on her love of nature which sell worldwide on Amazon. Her love of nature also enabled her to become certified as a Master Gardener by the Prince George County Virginia Cooperative Extension office where she worked in her community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management education and training. Jacqueline also served our community as a volunteer at Hopewell Food Pantry, member of the Appomattox Regional Library Board, and member of the Senior Advisory Board. She will be remembered as an advocate for education, a brilliant learner, and truly outstanding friend and family member.
In addition to her parents, Jacqueline was preceded by her brother, Willie McDonald Shepperson (of Petersburg, VA); brother, Weaver Augustus Shepperson, Jr. (of Washington, DC); and sister, Desdemona Doris Shepperson Fuller (of Petersburg, VA). Jacqueline is survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley Cobbs Shepperson of Petersburg, VA; nephews, Arthur Shepperson Fuller of Ashburn, VA, Steven Davis Shepperson of South Chesterfield, VA, and Dr. Stanley McDonald Shepperson of Washington, DC); great niece, Gabriella Nicole Fuller of Waynesboro, VA; great nephew, Antonio Todd Fuller of Ashburn, VA; and a host of other relatives and friends.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
