Ila Jane Perdue Shepherd

Ila Jane Perdue Shepherd peacefully entered her heavenly home on November 27th, 2016. Born in Redwood, Virginia on August 25th, 1929, Ila grew up on the farm as the youngest of 8 siblings. After attending Radford College, she worked as an operator at C&P Telephone in Roanoke during a time when being an operator meant actually connecting calls. With her husband Joel Taylor Shepherd she raised three sons. Her middle son John Taylor Shepherd was born with Downs Syndrome. Ila was John’s loving, devoted mother and constant companion for his 23 years of life. In addition to taking care of her home and raising a family, Ila was an avid yard sale and estate sale goer, selling her finds first at her family’s restaurant Longwood Restaurant and later at her son’s business, Blue Ridge Antique Center. Ila was the original Energizer Bunny, a tireless worker who set a pace few could follow. Ila truly set an example by her tenacity and determined spirit. Through all, Ila had a spirit of generosity and hospitality which carried over to her final days. Ila was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin Franklin Perdue Sr. and Mattie Law Perdue; her brothers and sister-in-law Benjamin F. Perdue Jr. (Lena Brown Perdue), James Walwin Perdue, her sisters and brothers-in-law Bernice McNeil (Robert McNeil), Louise Arrington (Paul Arrington), Virginia Perdue and two infant sisters, Reba Ann Perdue and Madeline Perdue. Also by her husband Joel Taylor Shepherd and son John Taylor Shepherd. And by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John H. Shepherd, Edward W. Shepherd (Ruby Davis Shepherd) and Sybil Jennings (Walter Jennings). Ila is survived by her son Jason P. Shepherd, Jason’s son Devin Taylor Shepherd and daughter Kendall Layne Shepherd. And by her son Joel R. Shepherd, daughter-in-law Ann Claire Shepherd and Joel and Ann Claire’s daughters Sarah Randolph Shepherd and Mary Virginia Shepherd. Sister-In-law, Mary Virginia Shepherd and special nephew James “Chubby” Arrington. And many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. A special appreciation and thank you to her caregivers Linda Miller and Susan Gills who provided Ila with countless hours of loving attention. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018. The family will receive friends Monday November 28th from 5PM to 7PM at Conner Bowman Funeral Home (Route 220 Chapel) 62 Virginia Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2PM on Tuesday November 29th, 2016 at Conner Bowman Funeral Home (Route 220 Chapel) 62 Virginia Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA with the Rt. Rev. Dr. R. Quigg Lawrence officiating. Private Interment will follow at the family cemetery.