Sunrise: March 25, 1936
Sunset: August 28, 2024 (Age 88)

Shirley Ann Shepard was born on March 25, 1936, in Hampton, Virginia, to Beadie Mae Hartsfield of North Carolina and Oliver Wendell Stephenson of Virginia. She attended Phenix High School in Hampton and was raised in the Southern Baptist faith, which remained a cornerstone of her life.

Shirley met the love of her life, Otis Shepard, when he was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and stationed at Langley Air Force Base near Hampton, Virginia. They married on June 10, 1955, and went on to have three children: Otis Jr., born in Hampton, Virginia; and Ronald and Patricia, both born in Boston, Massachusetts.

In December of 1966, Shirley and her family made a permanent move to California when Otis accepted a Civil Service position at Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center. Since 1967, Shirley became an active member of St. Paul's Baptist Church, where she served in the choir and volunteered her time in various church functions.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her daughter Patricia, her oldest son Otis Jr., and her cherished nieces Joy Tyson and Vangie Tyson. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Otis and son Ronald, as well as other family members whose memories she always carried close to her heart.

Shirley's warmth, faith, and devotion to her family and community will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed