With deep love and peace in our hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Shelby Jean (Collins) Sheppard, who entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the age of 88, at her home in Chapmanville, WV. She is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her cherished husband, John E. Sheppard Jr.; her brothers, Loren Collins Jr., Kenneth Collins, William Collins, David Collins, Leroy (Elizabeth) Collins, Jess Collins and Frank Collins; her grandson, John E. Sheppard IV; her great-grandson, Trae Cline; her nephews, Loren Collins, James Collins, and John Collins; and her niece, Tammy Akers.

Born on October 20, 1936, to the late Loren & Lola (Picklesimer) Collins. Shelby lived a life defined by faith, kindness, and quiet strength. She was a woman who loved deeply, gave generously, and walked humbly with God. A devoted Christian and faithful member of 21 Holden Freewill Baptist Church in Holden, WV, Shelby served her church and community with grace and compassion—always eager to lend a helping hand and share the hope of Christ. Later in life, she also attended Garrett’s Chapel Community Church in Chapmanville, where she continued to grow in faith and fellowship.

For over 15 years Shelby was the proud owner and creative spirit behind Chapmanville Florist, where she worked alongside her best friend, Eleanor Collins. Her floral arrangements brought beauty and comfort to countless lives and special occasions. She poured her heart into every bouquet, and her presence in the community will be deeply missed.

Shelby also had a spirit of adventure and loved exploring new places, traveling, and creating lasting memories with her friend, Mary Williams, who stood faithfully by her side through life’s many journeys. Shelby embraced every moment as a gift from God.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: John “Johnny” (Brenda) Sheppard III of Holden, Robert “Bobby” (Teresa) Sheppard of Chapmanville, Matthew (Christina) Sheppard of Chapmanville, Terena (Dennie) Surgoine of Chapmanville, Ermal (Brandy) Sheppard of Birch River, Michelle (Jared) Vititoe of Hurricane; her grandchildren: Rachel Sheppard, Chad Surgoine, Chad Randal Davis, Lauren (Wes) Maynard, Brad Surgoine, Stacey (Levi) Copley, Whitney (Craig) Cline, Samantha (Ross) Easterling, and Sawyer Vititoe; her great-grandchildren: Nicole (Jake) Compton, Emily (Megan) Davis, Eli Surgoine, Dakota “Cody” Davis, Haylee and L.J. Copley, Addison and Isiah Cline, Liam Perry, and Brooklynn Easterling; her great-great-grandchildren, Fisher and Mack Compton; her sisters-in-law: Eleanor Collins, Faye Collins, Joann Collins, and Mae Collins; and many nieces and nephews who will continue to carry her legacy in their hearts.

Shelby’s life and legacy will be celebrated with visitation at Freeman Funeral Home in Chapmanville, WV on Sunday June 15, 2025 from 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM. The funeral service will take place at 21 Holden Freewill Baptist Church on Monday June 16, 2025 at 12:00pm, with Rev. Lacy Cox officiating, and Lewis Sheppard Jr. delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow at the Vance Cemetery at 7-8 Holden, WV.

Pallbearers: Dennie Surgoine, Chad Surgoine, Brad Surgoine, Eli Surgoine, Levi Copley, Craig Cline, Jared Vititoe, Jonathan Whitt

Honorary Pallbearers: David Collins, Jamie Collins, LJ Copley, Isaiah Cline

The family would like to thank Shelby’s special caregiver Dennessa Whitman and Rachel Woody Vance and Dignity Hospice for their love and compassionate care.

Freeman Funeral Home, Chapmanville, WV is in charge of the arrangements.