Kathryn Thrift Shepard

Kathryn Thrift Shepard, 89, of Valdosta, died on Friday, May 13, 2011, following a brief illness, surrounded by friends. Born in Valdosta to the late Owen William and Bertha Thrift, she had been a lifelong resident of this area. Mrs. Shepard attended and graduated from Georgia State Women's College, which is now Valdosta State University, in the late 1930's. On June 21, 1940, she was married to the late Paul Shepard, whom she loved and cared for in so many ways which included helping him establish and operate a very successful accounting firm for many years. They were married for 56 years, prior to his death in 1996. Her daughter Cissie and her grandson Paul were indeed her heart and greatest blessing. Her friends she considered her treasurers. Mrs. Shepard centered her life on her faith in God. She enjoyed tending her garden, giving God the glory for its great beauty.

Survivors include her grandson, Paul Shepard Whaley, of Augusta, WI; her sister, Elaine Roper of Orange Park, FL; her son in law, John Whaley, of Augusta, WI; three nieces and a nephew, Katherine Izzo of Orange Park, FL, John Roper of Gainesville, FL, Barbara Price and Cindy Murphy, both of Atlanta; and two special friends, Frances Hatcher and Betty Batts. She is preceded in death by her husband, her daughter, Kay Paulette (Cissie) Whaley and three sisters.

A funeral service for Mrs. Shepard will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at First United Methodist Church. Dr. John McGowan and Dr. Bob Moon will officiate. A private family committal will be held at Sparks City Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to your favorite church or charity. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanefuneralservices.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602