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GREENVILLE, NC – Emma Eugenia “Jeannie” Stallings Shepherd, 90, passed away at home on October 20, 2024, surrounded by family.

Mrs. Shepherd was born in the Eure community of Gates County on April 25, 1934. A graduate of Gatesville High School, she was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1951, and after graduation attended Kee’s Coastal Business College and began working with International Business Machines (IBM) as a secretary. She was known throughout the company not only for her outstanding job performance but the style and professionalism she brought to the office on a daily basis.

Jeannie became a career employee of IBM, often traveling and training others on the equipment that was sold and installed by the company. In September of 1981, she was inducted into the Quarter Century Club at IBM. She retired in 1987 after 31 years of service. During her early years of employment, she also served as the president of the National Secretaries Association, Chesapeake Chapter, taught education classes at night, and enjoyed working in her flowers.

During the 1970’s, Jeannie purchased Kee Business College. Her eye for detail and desire for high quality programming for students ensured that while she owned the college, she was able to make the necessary improvements that were needed to continue sending qualified students out to join the workforce. Her goal attained; she sold the college.

Throughout her life, Jeannie had many fur babies. Being a “mom” to them gave her great joy and pride. Each one was appropriately spoiled and deeply loved by her. She also enjoyed many hobbies.

She was an accomplished pianist/organist, as well as a skilled seamstress. She loved crocheting and doing word puzzles. But most of all she enjoyed gifting her handmade items to others. In her later years, while living in North Carolina, one of her caregivers taught her to paint, and Jeannie, as with other things, excelled, to the point that her art was displayed in a local art show.

Her musical talents were used to serve God and her church. As a young girl she shared those talents with her home church in Eure, and later served as an assistant organist for Raleigh Heights Baptist Church in South Norfolk, VA.

Preceded in death by her parents, Asia Marie Mullen Stallings and Thomas Jackson Stallings, by her husband, Amos Gerald “Jerry” Shepherd, and by her most recent fur baby, “Ginger”. Jeannie will be deeply missed by her remaining family, especially Sam and Paula Flythe, and Cindy Taylor and Olethia Taylor who supported her care over the last seven years.

A Celebration of her Life will be held Monday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. in Eure Baptist Church and will be conducted by the pastor, The Rev. Dr. Wayne Proctor. Friends are invited to visit with the family in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. A private burial will be held later that afternoon at Rosewood Memorial Park Cemetery in Virginia Beach.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or by calling 1-800-361-7256, Ext. 8545.

The family is forever grateful to the very special caregivers who became family and supported her in the home. A special thank you to Von Arx Home Care and Farmville Family Doctors for their excellent care.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.