Virginia Boyd Shanklin Howard, 76, of Elkton passed away October 12, 2024, following a short illness. Along with her four beloved daughters, she leaves behind thousands of students she taught at Todd County Central High School and at Hopkinsville Community College. Mrs. Howard was well known as everyone's favorite math teacher, and many of her students continued to visit her long after graduation. Her love of math and belief every student possesses an ability to learn will live on for generations to come.
Virginia was born July 19, 1948, to the late Estill and Elizabeth Shanklin. She graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College with her teaching degree and later earned her Master's and Rank I in Education from Austin Peay State University. She enjoyed memberships at Petrie Memorial Methodist Church and the Todd County Retired Teachers' Association.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Sheril Howard; her sister, Dr. Diana Shanklin; and her son-in-law, Lonnie Jones. Mrs. Howard is survived by her brother, Mitch Shanklin; daughters, Cindy Howard (Mike Metcalf); Leslie (Marcus) Reese; Andrea (Lonnie) Jones; and Margaret (Ryan) Hinkle; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She took tremendous interest in and had a special relationship with each one.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be mailed to the Todd County Retired Teachers' Association (PO Box 1002, Elkton, KY 42220) for the Virginia Howard Scholarship to continue her legacy of helping students for years to come.
The family has chosen a private graveside service with Latham Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
