Elaine S.. Huffman

STAUNTON – Elaine Daire (Sheppard) Huffman, 88, passed away Saturday (September 6, 2025) in her home.

Elaine was born in Spencer, West Virginia on December 22, 1936, a daughter of the late Cecil Lee and Ruth Elaine (Rhodes) Sheppard. She graduated from Petersburg High School in Petersburg, W.Va. and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1958 from Marshall University. She served as secretary to the headmaster at Augusta Military Academy, as a front desk manager at Ingleside Resort, and prior to retirement, she was employed as a secretary in Mary Baldwin College’s P.E.G. program. She worked briefly in the pharmacy at CVS after retirement.

Elaine was a member of Verona United Methodist Church, Fredericksburg FOE #1423 Auxiliary, and the Petersburg, W.Va. chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an avid reader and loved beach vacations, traveling, and watching hummingbirds that would return to her home every year. She also enjoyed many lifelong friendships. She was known for her kindness and generosity, and especially her beautiful smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Roberta Neale Sheppard; and a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Huffman. Surviving are her devoted husband of 67 years, Joseph Grant Huffman; two daughters, Jalane H. Reed (husband Geoffrey) of Verona, and Jayma L. Huffman of Staunton; grandson Joseph T. Reed of Verona; a special “great-granddaughter,” Elizabeth Jayne “Ellie” Parker; brother-in-law Richard C. Huffman; niece Rebecca Norris (husband Clint); nephew Rich Huffman (wife Catherine); numerous other nieces and nephews; and a number of beloved Sheppard cousins.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18 in the chapel of Bear Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Shawna Hiner. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

The family is grateful for the compassionate support given by her caregivers: Samara Stovall, Bob Lianez, Augusta Health Cardiology, and Hospice of the Shenandoah (especially Ashley, Stephen and Tiffany).

Memorials may be directed to Aisle 7 Fellowship, P. O. Box 47, Verona, VA 24482 (aisle7church.org); or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.bearfuneralhome.com.