Cynthia Kate Shackelford

Montevallo

Cynthia Kate Shackelford, 59, of Montevallo died July 27. A native of Columbus, Miss., she was valedictorian of her class at New Hope High School. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Mississippi University for Women where she played on the national championship basketball team. She earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama.

For the past 18 years, Shackelford served as director of public relations at the University of Montevallo where she mentored countless student journalists. Montevallo’s legendary storyteller, she frequently conducted campus tours and “ghost walks.”

Shackelford was a member of numerous honor societies and community organizations where she was widely recognized for her loyalty and service. Prior to her work at UM, she served the MUW News Bureau and Public Relations Office in several different capacities, most recently as director and chief PR officer. Shackelford was an active member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Montevallo.

Preceded in death by her father, Manley King “Mike” Shackelford, she is survived by her partner, Meg Perkins Pepper; son, Nate Pepper; parents, Louise Shackelford Franks and Wesley Franks; two sisters, Vallory Williamson Hardin and Mae Shackelford Hudson; nieces, Melanie Williamson, Marci Wagner, Monica Jordan and Cissy Miller; and nephew, Robbie Young. A memorial service will be held Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. in Palmer Hall on the UM campus. Funeral services will be held Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s.