Joan Nix Sheppard, 84, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Atrium Health Cleveland, Shelby, NC. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence Aldridge Nix and Hazle White Nix of Carrollton, GA and was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Sheppard, and siblings Lawrence Aldridge Nix, Jr., Dr. Walter Robert Nix, Mary Nix Hall, and Dr. James Eugene Nix. Survived by her son George Walter Sheppard (Wanda Santiago Sheppard) of East Stroudsburg, PA, a daughter Katherine (Kate) Hazle Katahdin of Greensboro, NC, four grandchildren Lucelia Sheppard, Arthur Katahdin, Henry Sheppard, Sonia Katahdin and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a devoted wife and mother dedicating her life to serving others in everything she touched and to the enrichment of children through education. She spent her professional life as a teacher in the Cleveland County Schools and was active in the community as: a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church (UMC), Aldersgate Choir, United Methodist Women, Retired Teachers Association, Friendship Force, North Carolina Association of Educators and the International Reading Association. She was a champion for children's literature always sharing her love of teaching and helping children.


Coming from a long line of Georgia educators she was a member of the Temple Georgia High School Class of 1958. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from West Georgia College, dedicating herself to elementary education of children and the importance of teaching children to read. Later she received her Master's Degree from the University of Georgia in Athens.


An avid member of the Friendship Force for many years she traveled to many places: Costa Rica, Australia and Japan. She enjoyed hosting and was always interested in cultural exchange and meeting people from other places (England, Russia, Australia and many parts of US and Canada). Snapping photos of family and visitas, singing, playing piano, tent camping with family and all aspects of education were among her interests.


A celebration of life service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1207 W. Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Randy Blanton. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will immediately follow at Grover Cemetery in Grover, NC.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Ms. Joan Nix Sheppard. Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com