Ruby Elizabeth Watts Shepard, age 101, left this life for eternal salvation on May 14, 2022. Mammie, as she was known by all that knew and loved her, was greeted at heavens gate by the love of her life, husband S.F. Shepard and children, Faye Johnson, Shirley Hester, Frank Shepard, and Donald Ray Shepard; parents, Joe and Hazel Watts; siblings, A.J. Watts, Cecil Watts, Gilbert Watts, Darlene Nicholson, Renee Holt, and Dorothy Brake.
Mammie leaves behind loving children, Dimple (Mike) Warren, Bill (Christine) Shepard, Tippy (Linda) Shepard and adoring grandchildren, Robin (Todd) Allman, Kendra (Bayard) Shelton, Kimber (Greg) Dills, Delvin (Susan) Hester and Steve (Cathy) Shepard along with 7 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her sister, Margie Wall, along with numerous extended family and friends.
Mammie loved her family fiercely, raising and loving 6 generations of children. She loved to cook and believed the kitchen, where all would often gather, to be the heart of her home. There was very little in the world that Mammie’s Chicken n’ Dumplings, Fried Pies or Chocolate Buttermilk Cake couldn’t fix. She kissed thousands of boo-boos and gave many more of the best hugs but was quick to switch your legs if you got out of line, usually laughing as she chased you only to find a popsicle for punishment in the end as Mammie’s heart knew no bounds. Mammie will always be known for her stories, of which there were many, her love of quilting, painting, and sewing.
A lifelong member of Red River Baptist Church, Mammie loved Jesus and spread that love to all that would listen and even those that would not.
“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” 2 Tim. 4:7
