Sheppard L. Baxter

Sheppard “Shep” Leroy Baxter 68, departed this earthly life on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born May 28, 1955, to the late William Claude Sr. and Willie Mae Baxter in Princess Anne County, VA now known as Virginia Beach, VA.

Shep was formerly educated at Seatack Elementary School and Union Kempsville. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Lynnhaven Baptist Church. He was raised in a big household with 9 siblings.
He started working at Polynesian Pools at the age of 16 and married the love of his life Sylvia Faye Baxter (nee Gregory) at the age of 18 in 1973 and of this union they had three beautiful daughters. Shep and Faye remained married until her passing in March 2009.

Shep loved his family and spending time with them. He loved the outdoors fishing, hunting, crabbing and being out on the boat. He kept people rolling with laughter and could find humor in most circumstances. He always could tell a funny joke and would come on the scene with his favorite saying “yo yo yo”. Shep was an amazing provider and worked at Polynesian Pools for over 25 years, was self-employed as Baxter Bottoms for 5 years, and then he retired from Agean Pools. After losing his wife he got bored and went back to Agean Pools where he worked until he became ill. His love extended to the homeless giving out water, hygiene bags, hats and gloves.

Shep was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia Faye Baxter; one daughter, Keisha Baxter; brothers, Ervin Baxter, Fleetwood Baxter and Maurice Baxter.

He is survived by two daughters, Shaneil Baxter, Shante Privott (Demonte); 12 grandchildren, Whitney, Tyler, Kiara, Jarvis, Tasia, Keith, Kourtney, Rmari, Irie, Jordyn, Lauryn and Demi; 16 great grandchildren; two sisters, Sarah Wilson, Sylvia Brooks; four brothers, William Claude Baxter Jr., Philip Baxter (Bessie), Mike Baxter, Donyea Baxter; sister-in-law, Mary Frances Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.