Lula Ruth “Cissy” Sheffield, 81, of Peppertown, MS, passed the threshold of heaven surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, October 7, 2023. She was born in Tremont, MS on June 22, 1942, to James Audria Murphy and Fannie Loden Murphy. She moved with her family to Mooreville where she graduated high school. She met and married Billy Joe Sheffield on July 2, 1960. She often lovingly remarked that they “grew up together” as they celebrated 52 years of marriage. As an incredible homemaker and cook, they settled in and raised a family in Peppertown. Together they ran a successful business, “Bill’s Minit Mart”, for 43 years. She held high standards for herself, her family, and her home, which she was known for keeping meticulously clean. Cissy was an active member in her community, including her church, Friendship Baptist Church. She had a servant’s heart and sought to help those in need. She volunteered with the Dorsey-Friendship Fire Dept. Auxiliary. She loved to host a party, frequently gathering friends and family at her home. Above all, her greatest joy and proudest title was being “Nana” to her three grandchildren. She spent many summers with them, including annual family vacations to Gatlinburg, TN. She never passed up an opportunity to remind them they were her “precious angels”. She will be remembered for her love of the Lord, her family, and yellow roses.
Services will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at McNeece Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Fulton, MS. Visitation is open to the public and will begin at 10:00am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00am. Burial will be in Dorsey Memorial Cemetery.
She is survived by her two daughters, Melanie Jennings (Thomas) of Grenada and Myra Walker (Dr. Meredith) of Jonesboro, AR; three grandchildren, Anna Clare Wilkinson (Philip) of Winter Garden, FL, Loden Philips Walker (Clayton) of Jackson, and Etta Kathryn Jennings of Grenada; two great-grandchildren, Sterling Charles Wilkinson and Isaac Lawrence Wilkinson of Winter Garden, FL; her sister, Ann Garrett (Jerry) of Tupelo; her brother, Bill Murphy (Julie) of Tupelo.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Billy Joe Sheffield; an infant son, Barry Lee Sheffield; her sister, Rose Mary Maher.
