LaVerne M. Shepherd's Obituary
LaVerne Shepherd, 89, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma went to be with our Lord on October 1, 2023. She was the firstborn child of Aaron and Agnes McLeod, born at home just outside Shamrock, TX on August 17, 1934. LaVerne, known by some as “Shorty", was born at only 3.5lbs and due to her tiny size, was carried by her family in a shoe box. Her childhood love was her adoring grandpa, Mr. Mac, who affectionately called her “Big Bug”.
She was a longstanding, devoted member of the Church of Christ having taught children’s Sunday school classes. She was also involved in World Bible School and many other areas of service.
After LaVerne graduated from Shamrock High School in 1952, she met Air Force MP, Bill Shepherd, while he was on duty near her hometown. In 1954, they wed in Tucumcari, NM, and enjoyed a loving marriage of almost 60 years.
LaVerne had a passion for reading and passed many hours turning the pages of a favorite book. It would not be unusual to see a lamp burning late into the night as she finished the last chapters of her current read. She also enjoyed painting, fishing with Bill, and spending hours in the kitchen cooking her favorite dishes for family and friends. She enjoyed traveling home and abroad, especially the trip to her family's historical home of Scotland, where she signed the McLeod family registry at Dunvegan Castle. She enjoyed singing, especially hymns, and listening to country music classics. She shared many laughs with her friends at McDonald’s coffee group.
Her gentle spirit, ever-present smile, and abundant talent for conversation put everyone at ease and gave assurance to many friends along her path. Calling not only Texas home, she also lived in Tennessee, as well as being a long-time resident of Oklahoma.
She was the proud and loving mother of Cindy Tucker-Ramage (Ron), Ellen Zimmerman (Don), and Steven Shepherd (Heather). Her grandchildren include Rod Tucker (Brandi), Candice Fults (Thomas), Courtney Jolly (Drue), Kylee Cantrell (Toby) and Grady Hanifin. She also had the pleasure of being great-gran to Adriana, Cassie, Macie, Maggie, Tucker, Ellie, and Keira.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, her parents an infant sister, Mary Ellen, her brother, RA, and her son-in-law, Gary Tucker, whom she loved as a son. She is survived by her brother Bobby McLeod (Cheryl), her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Through our tears of grief, we are comforted in the fact that we know she has gone home, healed and happy, resting in the arms of Jesus.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
For those who choose, memorial donations can be made in her memory to her favorite charity…St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis TN @ https://www.stjude.org
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Floral Haven Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, at Floral Haven Rose Chapel
To view the service via webcasting use the link below:
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/93117/hash:5D4AE75E501D231D
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