Patricia Jernigan Shepard

Patricia Jernigan Mathews Shepard, 86, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on August 29, 1937, in Norfolk, Virginia, to her late parents, Russell Jernigan and Doris Crockford Jernigan. Pat was preceded in death by her loving husbands, William Donald Mathews and N. Linwood Shepard.

Pat grew up in Norfolk and was a graduate of Granby High School, Class of 1955. She moved to Virginia Beach with her first husband, where she was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom. She was an avid and accomplished bowler and loved playing bridge. Pat was a member of Suburban Junior Woman’s Club, where she served as Secretary and President. Once her daughter was grown, she attended Kees Business College and studied bookkeeping. She also loved travel and visited Spain, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Italy, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, St. Thomas, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Las Vegas.

Pat will be remembered for her dedication and expertise as a bookkeeper throughout her career. She was known for her meticulous attention to detail, diligence, and unwavering commitment to her work. Pat's colleagues and clients always appreciated her professionalism and reliability. She left an indelible impact on those she worked with over the years at Hauser Bookkeeping Services; Military Services Realty; Chase Adkins, CPA; and Stanton Corporation. She enjoyed her work and finally retired in 2011 due to health issues.

Pat leaves behind a loving family who will treasure her memory. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Sharon Mathews, her son-in-law, Paul Park, and her cherished grandchildren, Zachary Park and Bailey Park. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Fletcher, brother-in-law, Barry Fletcher, nieces and nephew, Cody Fletcher (Kira), Marley McCarthy (Dave), Torey Fletcher, and Kalley Fletcher, and great-nieces and nephew, Jadyn Fletcher, Bodie McCarthy, and Dylan Jarzynka.

Pat’s warm presence and kind-hearted nature will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

The family has entrusted the arrangements to the care of Smith & Williams Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A funeral service will be held to honor Pat's life, allowing family and friends to come together to support one another during this time of grief. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pat’s memory to the American Cancer Society.