Rep. Sheilla Lampkin (D-Monticello) died late last night after a battle with ovarian cancer. She was 69. Lampkin is survived by former Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin. The Lampkins found out about the diagnosis earlier this month.
House Minority Leader Michael John Gray released the following statement:
Representative Lampkin was a legislator that led with her heart always striving to do whatever she could to help people and her compassion for children and families in her district set an example for every member of the General Assembly. She greeted everyone with a smile and always wanted to know how she could help. The people of Drew and Ashley Counties have lost a wonderful neighbor, the children of Arkansas have lost a dedicated advocate, and we’ve all lost a tremendous friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
A former classroom teacher, Lampkin served in the General Assembly since 2011. She was a strong advocate for children and for special education. She served as Vice Chairperson of the Education Committee during the last session and her 2015 legislation created the Special Education Task Force, which she chaired.
House Speaker Jeremy Gillam issued the following statement:
During my first term in the House, I had the privilege of being assigned a seat in the chamber next to Rep. Lampkin. She became not just a colleague but a dear friend.
I cannot count the number of times she brought gifts for my children and checked in with our family. It was with this kind of generosity that she served District 9
and the entire state.Before serving in the House, Rep. Lampkin taught school children. It was her passion for 30 years. The vast majority of those years she taught Special Education.
We all saw her shine most when she was able to share her love of public service with the students of Girls State every summer.
Until the day of her death, she never stopped teaching life’s most important lessons… to listen, to serve, and to love.
Lampkin told her story in a 2013 video created by the Arkansas House — see above.
No information has yet been released on funeral services.