Leslie Olivia Sheppard

Leslie Olivia Sheppard was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Leslie always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Leslie was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Leslie was born on February 20, 1974 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Her parents were Johnny and Teresa Sheppard who raised her in Brandon, Mississippi. Always able to express herself well, Leslie possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Leslie was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Leslie was able to relate well with others. Leslie was raised with two siblings; a younger brother, Colin and younger sister, Haley. She had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Leslie showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Leslie enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. She took part in horseback riding, tennis and softball. She was a member of the 4-H club. In her spare time she liked going to movies, hanging out with friends and playing the piano.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Leslie was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. Her curious nature was spurred by her ability to maximize her personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. She was good with facts and had an excellent memory. She was home schooled by her mother and received her diploma May 11, 1993. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was her 6th and 7th grade teacher, Mrs. Bonnie Clavier.

Friends and acquaintances found Leslie an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Leslie was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were Stacey Dixon, Jessie Heart, Johnny M., Johnny J., Rebecca and Emily Ross, and John and Tui Vining. Later in life, she became friends with Ethel Baxter, Stacey D. Baldree, Kara Whitfield, Ray Ables and best of all her sister Haley Hinton.

Leslie was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Leslie’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Leslie was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Leslie could multi-task, and she was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Her primary occupation was night clerk at AAA Cooper where she was employed for 6 years. Prior to AAA Cooper she was office manager for Custom-Food Group; she also worked for Moser School and Office Supply in Rodgers, Ark and was Senior Transporter at Baptist Hospital. Some of her most prestigious awards included Employee of the Month several times at Baptist Hospital and at Custom Food Group.

Leslie held close traditional values and her faith was important to her. Leslie asked Jesus in her heart when she was 9 years old and she was a member of the Mime group to reach others for Jesus.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Leslie truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included going out west to see the Redwood trees and flying to New York with her best friend Stacey Dixon. She went on this trip when they were 13 and 14 to meet Stacey's aunt before driving to Connecticut.

Leslie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Leslie’s favorites was Bugger, her Yorkee puppy who she kept for 8 months & Sundance, her childhood horse. Her family was rounded out by her Beta fish, Foley and Loopin Lou.

Leslie died on September 27, 2011 at her parent’s home in Brandon, Mississippi. Leslie was murdered during a home invasion and robbery. She is survived by her parents, Johnny and Teresa Sheppard; brother, Colin Sheppard; sister, Haley Hinton; nieces, Ariel Hinton, Missy Sheppard, and Anna Sheppard; and her nephews, Kyle Hinton and Tyler Hinton. Services were held at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Chapel, Pearl, Mississippi. Leslie was laid to rest in One Way Ministries Cemetery, Brandon, Mississippi.

Leslie was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Leslie had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Leslie Olivia Sheppard.