Mrs. Willie Winn Sheppard, 83, widow of the late Ellis Sheppard, died Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Mountainside Assisted Living in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Born on May 4, 1942, in Tifton, Georgia, she was a daughter of the late W. G. Hough and the late Nora Lee Moore Hough. Willie's professional journey was marked by her commitment to communication and community service. She retired from Southern Bell, where she brought warmth and efficiency to her work. Her dedication to the well-being of children was evident in her role as a school bus driver with Coweta County Transportation. Beyond her work, Willie was a woman of many interests, each reflecting the meticulous and creative nature of her character. She found solace and joy in the outdoors, cutting the grass and tending to her yard with a green thumb that coaxed beauty from the soil. Willie's artistic talents were displayed through her love for cross-stitch, needlepoint, and crochet. Each stitch was a note in the symphony of her legacy, crafting pieces that warmed homes and hearts alike. Puzzles were another of Willie's cherished pastimes, reflecting her love for challenges and her sharp intellect. She leaves behind a legacy of love, a pattern for others to follow, and a memory that will continue to inspire and comfort all who knew her. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Beck.

Survivors include her daughters, Debra Roof of Gay, Georgia, Pam Griffin (Barry) of Leesville, SC, and Crystal Crowley (Mike), also of Gay; her sister, Barbara Spradlin; grandchildren, Jordan Calhoun (Leah), Peyton Crowley, Lacy Todd (Jacob), Vannessa Simpson (Ryan), Neal Griffin, Michael B. Garrett, and Christopher Roof; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Sheppard's wish was to be cremated, and her ashes will be inurned next to her late husband in a private ceremony at Georgia National Cemetery.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Willie Sheppard, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.