Mary Sheppard

Mary Laten Sheppard, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Charles Leyton and Zena Smathers Sheppard. She was also preceded in death by two infant sisters, Ruth and Inez Sheppard; and five older brothers, Cyril Vaughn, Charles, Calvin, and Ralph Sheppard. She retired from American Enka Corporation. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and she adored all the special children who she considered her own through the years. She loved all her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Mary will be remembered for her keen sense of humor and devotion to her Christian faith and prayer. She is survived by 16 nieces and nephews; a special niece, Annie Whitner and her husband, Ben, of Waynesville; cousin and dear friend, Frances Clark of Canton; friend and roommate, Anita Davis; and several other cousins. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Plains United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Darrell Webb officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. prior to the service at Wells Funeral Home of Canton. Memorials may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.

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