Martha Gwyn Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
She was born on March 9, 1952 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Edward Sheppard and the late Faye Carver Sheppard.
Gail was a member of the Curtis Creek Baptist Church and had attended Lees-McRae College. She worked for several years at Baxter in Marion and various other jobs. She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, fishing, gardening and spending time with her family, especially the grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her late husband, Steven Rupard; mother, Faye Sheppard; father, Edward Sheppard; brother, Johnny Dell Sheppard.
Gail leaves behind to cherish her memory husband of 20 years, Freddie Gwyn; two daughters, Denise (Martin) Suarez of Summerville, SC, Samantha (Sean) Knight of Banner Elk, NC; son, Paul (Michelle) Rupard of Banner Elk, NC; sister, Freda (Calvin) Greene of Boone, NC; three brothers, Barry (Elvie) Sheppard of Elk Park, NC, Richard (Jane) Sheppard of Elk Park, NC, Farrell (Shelia) Sheppard of Vilas, NC; nine grandchildren, Joseph McKinney, Michelle Roberts, Lora McKinney, Jordan Trivette, Jacqueline Cahan, Jarrett Pritchard, JoDee Ward, Blake Ward, Kaden Knight; twelve great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Martha Gail Rupard Gwyn will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 beginning at 3:00 pm in the Curtis Creek Freewill Baptist Church with Barry Sheppard officiating. The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the White Rock Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Avery EMS and all emergency services and personnel involved for their professionalism, compassion, and tireless efforts.
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net
The care of Gail and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland. (828) 733-2121
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Martha, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
296 Ash Street, Newland, NC 28657
Make a Donation
in Martha Gwyn's name
People and places connected with Martha
How to support Martha's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Martha Gwyn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
