Judith Patricia Sheppard (née Taylor)
May 3, 1931 – November 26, 2024

Judith Patricia Sheppard, known as Patty, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024, in Spearman, Texas, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on May 3, 1931, in Robert Lee, Texas, Patty was the 10th of 11 children born to James Leroy and Inez Adeline Taylor.

Patty graduated from Robert Lee High School in 1948 and earned her degree from the University of Texas in 1953. She began her career as a high school teacher in Pearsall, Texas, before marrying the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Bert Temp Sheppard, on June 12, 1954, in her hometown of Robert Lee. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and community in Spearman, Texas.

Patty and Bert were blessed with six children: Dixie Smith (Bobby), Debbie Cook (Mike), Beth McIntyre (Edward), Rory Sheppard (Janet), Temp Sheppard, and Mac Sheppard. Her legacy continues through her 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Grandchildren: Dixie Smith – Lindsey Savage, Camille Prewett, Lance Smith, and Cayla Maestas.

Debbie Cook – Chase Cook, Rance Cook, and Reese Cook.

Beth McIntyre – Skip Lesly, Brooke Lesly, Edward McIntyre.

Rory Sheppard – David Sheppard and Mark Sheppard.

Temp Sheppard – Mariah Sheppard, Austin Sheppard, Journee Sheppard.

Mac Sheppard – Ashleigh Wren, Darien Sheppard, Jaxon Sheppard, Dallas Lonethunder, Romey Sheppard, and Daelyn Sheppard.

She is also survived by her sister, Dixie Jones of Brownfield, Texas and Jean Herring her sister-in-law of Maryneal, Texas.

A longtime member of Cornerstone Methodist Church in Spearman, Patty was deeply rooted in her faith. She faithfully taught Sunday School classes for all ages for over 60 years, touching countless lives with her wisdom and warmth.

Patty's life was filled with a love for learning and teaching. In her younger years, she was an avid tennis and volleyball player as well as a certified Red Cross swimming instructor. She found great joy in attending her children's and grandchildren's sporting events. She and Bert were recognized as fans of the year by Spearman Lynx athletics even after all their grandchildren had graduated. As an enthusiastic reader, she had to develop her own special mark on the due date slip in the front of library books to prevent re-reading a book.

Her dedication to her community was recognized with numerous state awards from the Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA). Yet, her greatest accomplishments were found in the family she and Bert nurtured—a family that no matter the situation will be telling stories, laughing, and sharing unconditional love.

Services honoring Patty's remarkable life will be held at Cornerstone Methodist Church in Spearman on Saturday, 11/30 at 2:00PM, with graveside services to follow at Hansford Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. of Spearman, Texas.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Cornerstone Methodist Church, Hansford County Hospice, or a charity of your choice in her memory.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Hansford County Hospital District and Hansford Hospice for their compassionate care during Patty's final days.

Her family remembers her as an animated storyteller who loved to recount stories from her childhood – growing up in Robert Lee during the depression.