Barbara Anne (Willis) Sheffield, age 74, of Flora, Illinois, died peacefully Thursday, March 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Effingham, Illinois.  Barbara was born October 18, 1950, in Flora, Illinois, and grew up in Texas and Illinois.  She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University.  She spent most of her career working as a teacher and school counselor, but also had a stint as a zoo keeper at the Saint Louis Zoo.  In 1979, she married David Sheffield.  Both of them adventurous, she and David lived and worked in Illinois, Missouri, Idaho, Colorado, Washington, and rural Alaska.  In 2007, Barbara retired after 35 years in the field of education as a high school English teacher and guidance counselor.  She and David moved to Whidbey Island in Washington state for twelve years, then returned to Illinois, where Barbara became a dedicated and loving caregiver for David, who had developed Parkinson’s Disease. 

      Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, David Sheffield, and parents, James and Virginia (Mitchell) Willis.  She is survived by her sisters:  Kathleen Sneed of Mattoon, Illinois; Patricia Murray and Doris Jean King, both of Olney, Illinois.

      Barbara loved to read, especially science fiction, cook, travel, watch movies, write, and listen to music.  She cherished her family and friends and her furry pets, both cats and dogs.  She had many health challenges during her life, but met them with courage, determination, and humor.  She will be greatly missed for her loyalty to others, her fun-loving and mischievous personality, her curiosity, and her love of learning.

      The family wishes to thank Lakeland Rehabilitation & Healthcare, Transitions Hospice, and friends Barbara Beck, Diane Murphy, Jeanelle Mitsdarfer, and Linda Patterson for their loving care during Barbara’s last illness.  A memorial committal ceremony with interment following will be held at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Fur a Good Paws.  Donations can be accepted through the funeral home or sent to Fur a Good Paws, 104 N. Stanford Rd., Flora, IL 62839.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com