Mary Martin Shepherd, 86, of Elizabethton, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, from Hillview Health Center. Mary was the daughter of the late Jess and Jessie Templeton Martin. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Elsie Isaacs.
To know Mary was to love her. Many people knew her as “Merry Mary” because of her love of life and love of others. She was a true servant to her husband, family, church and community. The goal and joy of her life was to make others happy. The mark of a life well lived is to leave this world a better place for Jesus’ sake. The world is a better place because of Mary and all who knew Mary are the better for it. She will be greatly missed, and all are thankful to the Lord for her life. She was a native of Carter County and a member of East River Park Christian Church.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 67 years, Frank Jackson Shepherd, of the home; two daughters, Ann Shepherd and husband Jim of Concord, N.C., and Patti Shepherd Parker of Falls Church, Va.; one son, William “Bill” Martin Shepherd and wife Hilda of Kingsport, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren, Beth Allen, Jessica Lynch, Courtney Sharrett, Amanda Warner, Hannah Smith, Martin Shepherd, Jonathan Shepherd, David Shepherd, Stephen Shepherd and Joy Shepherd; six great-grandchildren, Campbell Allen, Kurt Warner, Josie Warner, Abbey Warner, Julianna Sharrett and Natalie Shepherd. She is also survived by her sweet sister, Peggy Martin Meredith, and several nieces, nephews and friends.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Mrs. Mary Martin Shepherd will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 13, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Mr. Mike Klaus, minister, officiating. Music will be provided by Ms. Deborah Knapp. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 12:30 until 2 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Hartley, Jerry Moody, Steve Dunlap, Dr. David Mills, Paul Knapp, Gene Carter, Dr. Ben Earnest and Jim Trollinger. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to First Christian Church, 513 Hattie Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Shepherd family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.