Mary Frances DeVaughn Sheffield passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit. She was 91 years old. Born July 1, 1932 in Mantachie, she was the daughter of Carlyn and Annice Franks DeVaughn. After her high school graduation, Frances attained her Bachelor degree from Blue Mountain College before earning her Master’s degree in English from Ole Miss. Over her career as an English teacher, she touched many lives at Tupelo High School, Quitman High School, New Albany High School, Jackson Academy, and Itawamba Community College. Frances was an avid reader and participated in the “Lunching With Books” program. She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. In 1956 she married Joe Sheffield, and they enjoyed 66 years of marriage before his passing on August 23, 2022.
Frances leaves behind her two sons, Chris Sheffield of Mantachie and Bill Sheffield and wife, Sheri, of Atlanta, Georgia; two grandchildren, Carlin and Susanna Sheffield; nephew, Randy Devaughn; and cousins, George DeVaughn and wife, Claudia, David DeVaughn, and Dan DeVaughn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlyn and Annice DeVaughn; her husband, Joe Sheffield; and a brother, Wayne DeVaughn.
Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Ron Richardson and Rev. Dr. Taylor Todd officiating. Dr. Bobby Dale will also speak as her former student. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with the arrangements.
