Betty Sheppard

Betty James Sheppard

Wrens, GA  –              Betty Ann James Sheppard, 78, loving wife of 50 years to the late James Owen Sheppard, peacefully entered into her eternal rest Monday afternoon, December 2, 2019 at Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:30 P.M. Friday afternoon, December 6, 2019 with Reverend Chad Watkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery.   The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 12:30 – 2:30 P.M. Friday, December 6th prior to the funeral services.

The only daughter born to the late Beulah Guy James and the late Richard James, Betty was a lifelong resident of the Wrens-Matthews area and a 1959 graduate of Wrens High School.  As a young girl she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior, serving Him at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church and then at Wrens United Methodist Church. Soon after graduating high school, she married the love of her life, started her family, and began working as a payroll administrator for Stapleton Garment Company.  After Stapleton Garment closed, Betty took a couple of months off before starting work as a bank teller with First State Bank.  After their retirement, she and Shorty enjoyed traveling, especially to the North Georgia mountains—they were fixtures at the Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee.  A great cook, Betty enjoyed preparing meals for her family.  She was also a great seamstress and enjoyed shopping. With a twinkle in her eye and a bright smile for everyone, she had a contagious fun-loving spirit. She got along with everyone and was a calming force. Betty loved her family unconditionally—her greatest, most enjoyable vice was spoiling her grandkids. A loving wife, devoted mother, and loyal friend, Betty will be truly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Betty is also preceded in death by her brothers, Curtis Richard James and John Charles “J. C.” James. Survivors include her two sons, James “Jim” Owen Sheppard Jr. and Jason Richard Sheppard (Dena); brother, Ricky Wayne James; three grandchildren, Hunter Logan Sheppard, Dawson Reed Sheppard and Kinsley Brooke Sheppard; sisters-in-law, Margie Holley James and Lois Perdue James; nieces, nephews, church family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Todd James, Hank Johnson, Stanley Phillips, Edward Rabun, Tony Reese, Rhett Reid, Kenneth Sheppard and Aubrey Usry.

The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for their professional, passionate and loving care.