Frances Latimer Shepherd

Frances Latimer Shepherd
April 4, 1926 - October 29, 2010

Frances Latimer Shepherd joined her Heavenly Father on Friday, October 29, 2010 at her residence in Bryan, Texas, surrounded by her family. The life of this gracious lady will be celebrated Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., at her church, Calvary Baptist in Bryan. Pastors David Murphy, Ray Spradling, and Matthew Prine will be officiating. A reception to visit with the family will follow afterwards in the fellowship hall.

Frances was born April 4, 1926, in Belton, South Carolina, to DeWitt and Esther Latimer. Her Lord and her parents remained the guiding influence of her life. As the only sister with four brothers, she developed a keen intellect, survival skills, and a great sense of humor. She received a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry and Biology from the University of South Carolina and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Houston. She also taught for the Houston ISD. As a voracious reader, she could converse on just about any topic. However, she insisted on reading only non-fiction since she "didn't have any time to waste!"

She met a charming and handsome Naval Lieutenant, Richard Palmer Shepherd. They wed June 27, 1946, in West Columbia, South Carolina. They moved to Texas where her Southern Belle qualities captivated the state. The Shepherd's marriage was a great example of love, commitment, unselfishness, and joy that persisted regardless of the circumstances. Richard preceded her in death in 1982.

Her accomplishments were vast, but her real legacy is the many lives impacted by her kind, gentle nature. Frances took the time to be kind and was never too busy to give an encouraging word. Her selflessness put the needs of others before her own. As a great listener, she wanted to know all about you, your family, your dreams, and your aspirations! As a life-long student of the book of Proverbs, she had words of wisdom for any occasion. She lived her faith on a daily basis so others really did see the Savior working through her.

Surviving Frances are her children, Janet and husband, David Rhodes of Staunton, VA, Patricia Shepherd Barksdale of College Station, TX, Richard Palmer Shepherd Jr. of Bryan, TX; grandchildren, Amy and husband, Tim Brown of Staunton, VA, Bethany and husband, Keith Barker of Wilmore, KY, Andrew and wife, Leah Rhodes of Staunton, VA, Camellia and husband, Matthew Prine of Sugar Land, TX, Joshua Barksdale of College Station, TX; great-grandchildren, Shayla and Hayden Brown, Ela, Jakob, and Oren Barker; siblings, Lewis and wife, Margaret Latimer of West Columbia, SC, Hewlett and wife, Betty Latimer of Livingston, Texas; sister-in-law, Jean Latimer of Cayce, SC; and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Elizabeth Shepherd of Clearlake, TX.

The family would like to thank Traditions Hospice, Janet and Rosalind for their excellent care. Also, thank you to all her friends at Calvary Baptist Church who ministered to her throughout this illness.

Contributions may be made to the Children's and Youth Ministries at Calvary Baptist Church 2009 Cavitt Avenue Bryan, Texas 77801 or Act for Autism C/O Easter Seals Attn: Online Giving Coordinator 233 South Wacker Drive Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60606.

Please leave condolences online at www.CallawayJones.com