Sheilla Joyce (Ezelle) Lampkin (1945 - 2016)

Born 23 Aug 1945 in Rohwer, Desha, Arkansas, United States

Died 23 Jul 2016 at age 70 in Monticello, Drew, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

Sheilla (Ezelle) Lampkin is Notable.

Sheilla Joyce (Ezelle) Lampkin was a notable American teacher, politician, civic leader and writer. Lampkin actively served in numerous civic organizations and received awards for her contributions, including the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxillian of the Year Award. She was an accomplished writer, publishing articles in local history publications and conducting interviews with World War II veterans for the Library of Congress. Lampkin held key roles in historic preservation organizations and served as chair of the Arkansas History Commission. She was recognized for her outstanding work, receiving awards such as the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year and the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas Award for Excellence in Preservation. Lampkin's political career included a term as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. Her dedication to education, history preservation, and community service makes her a noteworthy figure.

Sheilla Joyce Ezelle, born on August 23, 1945, in Rohwer, Desha County, Arkansas. Her father was James Edward Ezelle and her mother Lucille (McIntyre) Ezelle. She grew up in Desha County and graduated from Dumas High School. She graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1966 magna cum laude, and received her Master's Degree from the Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College (now the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville) in 1981.

She married Damon Ray Lampkin in Desha County around 1967. They later moved to Montecello. She was a school teacher for thirty years at McGehee, Wilmar, Drew Central and Monticello School Districts.

After teaching career, she volunteered for many civic organizations, such as the Northside Extension Homemaker's Club, where she received the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxillian of the Year Award. She also wrote a weekly column on local history in the Drew County Historical Journal. She recorded over fifty veterans for the Library of Congress Veteran's Oral History Project and served two terms as chair of the Arkansas History Commission.

In 2002, she was elected Drew County judge, where she served for ten years. She wrote a weekly column on local history for the Advance-Monticellonian and published award-winning articles in the Drew County Historical Journal. In 2008, she was named the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce Women of the Year, and received the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas Award for Excellence in Preservation in 2011. She received an appointment from the Governor and served two terms as chair of the Arkansas History Commission.

She also served on the boards of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, the Selma Community Center, the Drew County Historical Society, and the Drew County Historical Museum. In 2008, Lampkin was named the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year, and received the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas Award for Excellence in Preservation in 2011.

She later became an elected member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. Her journey into politics was driven by her deep-rooted passion for social justice and equality. Growing up in Arkansas, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by her community and became determined to make a difference. After completing her education, Lampkin embarked on a career dedicated to public service, advocating for the rights and well-being of the people she represented.

In 2012, Sheilla Lampkin decided to translate her passion into action by running for the Arkansas House of Representatives. Her campaign focused on pressing issues, such as education, healthcare, economic development, and social equality. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by her constituents, coupled with her unwavering dedication, resonated with the voters, leading to her successful election.

During her tenure in the Arkansas House of Representatives, Sheilla Lampkin made significant contributions to legislation and policymaking. She was a strong advocate for education, recognizing the crucial role it plays in shaping the future of individuals and communities. Lampkin championed initiatives to improve funding for public schools, enhance teacher quality, and expand access to higher education, striving to provide equal opportunities for all.

Lampkin's commitment to healthcare was equally notable. She recognized the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for all Arkansans and worked tirelessly to advance policies that would improve healthcare services, particularly for underserved communities. Her efforts focused on expanding Medicaid and enhancing healthcare infrastructure, aiming to ensure that every citizen had access to quality care.

Beyond education and healthcare, Sheilla Lampkin was a vocal advocate for economic development and social equality. She fought for policies that would promote job creation, support small businesses, and uplift disadvantaged communities. Lampkin worked to address poverty, inequality, and discrimination, striving to create a more equitable and prosperous society.

Tragically, Sheilla Joyce Ezelle Lampkin's life was cut short on July 23, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to her constituents. Colleagues mourned her passing, constituents, and the entire state of Arkansas, as she was widely respected for her integrity, compassion, and commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives.

Sources

• Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 10 Dec 2022. "Sheilla Joyce (Ezelle) Lampkin." Accessed 30 Jun 2023.
• Smith, Lindsley Armstrong, and Smith, Stephen A., University of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Sheilla Joyce Ezelle Lampkin (1945–2016)." Accessed 30 Jun 2026.
• Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, (n.d.). "Sheilla Ezella Lampkin Obituary." Accessed 30 Jun 2023.