Lois Sheppard

Taylor Funeral Home of Louisville announces the death and services for Mrs. Lois Phillips Polhill Sheppard, age 98, of Louisville, who died peacefully at her residence on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026, in the Louisville Methodist Church with the Rev. Dan Underwood officiating.

Mrs. Sheppard was a native of Louisville, GA. She was the youngest child born to James B. Polhill, Jr and Rosa Brown Polhill. Her 98 years distinguished her as the longest-lived Polhill.

After her graduation from the University of Georgia, she served as an elementary school teacher in LaGrange and in Cuthbert, GA. After 2 years away, she returned home, and on June 11, 1953, she married her beloved husband, J. Farris (Tag) Sheppard. They established a holy union of love and dedication for almost 65 years. In 1963 she returned to teaching in the Jefferson County School system, then at Bartow Academy and Thomas Jefferson Academy -- a career that spanned over 30 years. She was a strong disciplinarian but was compensated countless times over with the many lifelong friendships she fostered with her students.

She was a professional who excelled in her passion for teaching; however, her greatest joy was supporting her husband and children. She was a member of the Louisville Methodist Church for over 70 years, serving as Sunday School teacher, MYF Leader, Bible School director, Choir member, and in the Methodist Women's Group. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed knitting and reading. She had aspirations of becoming a children's clothing designer, evidenced by the joy she received from sewing dresses and outfits for her daughter and nieces when they were young.

Mrs. Sheppard was preceded in death by her devoted husband; her parents; her brother James B. Polhill, III; her sisters, Rosa Polhill Green and Emily Polhill Watson; and her son-in-law H. Bissell Vann. She is survived by her son Joseph F Sheppard, Jr, her daughter, Lois Sheppard Vann; her grandson, Eric and his wife, Samantha Sheppard; two great-grandsons; one great-great grandson; many loving nieces and nephews; as well as extended family, Mary Heath and Sabrina Dawson.

Family will receive friends at the church prior to Monday’s service from 12:45 to 1:45 PM. A reception will follow the service in the church social hall.

The family wishes to acknowledge the professional and compassionate care of the staff of Pruitt Health Hospice, particularly her nurse Marilyn Dale, and her nurse aides, Brandi Knowles and Precious Wiggins. Their love and concern for our mother were paramount reasons we were able to care for her at home during her last few months. We also acknowledge the exceptional medical care from Dr Sam Franklin, Jefferson Hospital.

For those wishing to make memorials, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to Louisville Methodist Church, P O Box 269, Louisville, GA 30434.

Taylor Funeral Home, and Cremation Care of Louisville, is in charge of the arrangements.