Victoria C. Sheppard-Onassis Phd, a social scientist, activist and an ordained minister, passed away on January 11, 2021.

Dr. V obtained her Bachelor degree from Kent State, Masters and Doctoral degree from the University of Akron. She was the founder of the American Education Institute, The Black Male Summit, Director of the Memphis and May Festival and was on the board of Citizens for a Safe Community. Dr. V lived in Texas, LA California, Holly Springs, MS, Memphis TN, Akron and Massillon, Ohio. Dr. V overcame four brain aneurysms, a stroke, cancer but was overcome by edema and congestive heart failure.

She was born on August 25, 1956 to Mahmud and Jeanette Salaal.

She was preceded in death by mother, Jeanette Maffet and sister, Ahari Salaal.
She leaves to mourn husband of 25 years, William Sheppard; stepchildren, Takeysha, TaLisa, TaRia, TaNikka, TyWaun, TuRonn, TreVarr Sheppard; father, Mahmud Salaal; sisters, Terri Faulkner, Stephannie Peterson, Claudine Hunt; brothers, Edward Spaulding, Cleveland Maffet Jr.; stepfather, Cleveland Maffet Sr. ; sister-in-law, Doris Jelks; brother-in-law, Thomas Sheppard and a host of grandchildren, cousins, uncle, John Spaulding; aunt, Phillis, saints and friends.