Maria Theresa Sheffield

Posted on October 14, 2026

Maria Theresa Sheffield went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Sept. 22, 2026, at the age of 76. Born in Prescott, Ariz., on March 25, 1950, she soon became a lifelong resident of Perry, moving with her family and parents, James Floyd Sheffield and Mary Jane Sheffield, to his beloved homeland in Taylor County. Maria grew up exploring the outdoors, playing, gardening, hunting and fishing; she took those experiences in nature with her throughout her life. She attended public schools in Perry and graduated from Taylor County High School in 1968. She found peace and contentment in nature. She was dedicated to the protection of the environment, human rights and animal protection. She stood up for what she believed in and lived her life in accordance with her beliefs. Maria worked in production and safety at Procter & Gamble’s Foley cellulose plant. Later, she worked for Watkins Construction Company. Maria was also an excellent professional photography, freelancing for newspaper, federal and local law enforcement agencies. She had a green thumb and loved gardening (she rescued plants for her family.) She enjoyed deer and hog hunting with her trustworthy dogs, fishing in the Gulf and local waters countywide and especially camping with her extended family at Blue Springs Lake. She loved collecting art and was gifted with an eye for fine art. She was certified to assist Animal Control Services and when called upon, she would render aid. Maria would always lend a helping hand if she could. She loved her pets and for years raised horses. In her youth she was a champion barrel racer. She was also a judge in local fox trials. Maria loved her family deeply and treasured the time they shared together. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Floyd and Mary Jane Sheffield, and her brother, Jonathan Thomas Sheffield. She is survived by: her sons, James Poppell (Tammy) and Coy Jason Mathis; grandchildren, Damian Mathis, Remington Poppell and Case Poppell; sisters, Kathleen Shaw (Louis) and Alice Raulerson (Harvey); brother, James Robert Sheffield (Vivian); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. A special thank you to Coy’s Aunt Mercine Mathis and Cheryl Blue for the care and attention they gave to Maria especially in her final days. A graveside service was Monday, Oct. 12, at 5 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends then gathered at Lakeside Baptist Church for a celebration of her life. All arrangements and services are under the care of Burns Funeral Home