Arda Fern Sheppard of Bangs, Texas passed away on Wednesday, the 16th of January, at the age of 73. She was born Arda Fern McGaughey on the 15th of January, 1946, in the hospital of Brownwood, Texas. Her parents were Jack and Arda (Eiland) McGaughey. She maintained residence in Bangs, Texas all her life with the exception of one year in Independence, KS, while husband of 54 years, Waymond Sheppard, was stationed at Fort Riley en route to Vietnam. She graduated as Salutatorian of Bangs High School in 1964.
She is survived by husband, Waymond Sheppard, and their two sons; Alan (wife Kim) and Kevin (wife Erica), grandchildren Johni, Gabbi, Addison, Bryson and Evin. She is also survived by sister-in-law Donna McGaughey, cousin Bobby Eiland, nieces Kathy McGaughey Greetan, Keri McGaughey, Lisa McGaughey Ryan, Mark McGaughey, Laurie McGaughey, Renae Joyner and numerous other great nieces and nephews.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents Arda and Jack, her sister Joy, her brothers Jack, Jr. , R.J. “Hoot”, Marion, and nephews Joe Don and Michael McGaughey, and numerous cousins, uncles and aunts.
A devoted Christian, Fern would consider the biggest success of her past 10 years were her loving grandchildren. Friends will remember her employment with Texans Lamp Factory, Kohler, Southwest State Bank, Southern Savings and Loan – Bangs Branch and Bangs ISD. She also believed in supporting the community of Bangs as a PTA volunteer, a knowledge bank of the history of Bangs, Bangs School Board member and extensive time with the Bangs Ex-Student Association. She was also selected the Bangs Ex-Student of the Year in 2015. She loved to travel, covering all 50 States and internationally. Her last trip’s personal motivational theme and bucket list item for #49 and #50 (Oregon and Washington) was “Where’s there’s a Will, there’s a Way”.
A Celebration of Fern’s life, will be held at the Bangs Baptist Church on Sunday, January 20th, at 2pm and burial services follow at the Bangs Cemetery. Visitation at Davis-Morris, Brownwood, will be held Saturday, 5pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Fern’s Birthday Fundraiserhttps://www.facebook.com/donate/297912174263607/.
Online memorials can be made at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com
