LEAVENWORTH – Billie Mae Gibbs Sheppard, 96, passed away Friday, December 10, 2021 in Leavenworth, Kansas. She was born September 3, 1925 in Dallas, Texas to Ernest and Katherine Maxey Gibbs. Billie graduated from Lufkin High School, Lufkin, Texas and Sam Houston State University with a degree in Education. She also obtained her real estate license.
On September 1, 1946 Billie married J.D. Sheppard in Warren, Arkansas. He preceded her in death September 14, 2013. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Having lived in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, Billie was always an active member of the community. She was a life long Methodist, serving as an officer, including President of the United Methodist Women and as a teacher in the children’s division.
Civic activities included Girl Scout Leader, President of the Dallas High School Coaches’ Wives, President of her children’s elementary school PTA, Lifelong Member of the Dallas PTA, President of the Corsicana, Texas Hospital Auxiliary, Pink Ladies, Home Chairperson of United Way, President of Better Garden Club, Secretary of the Campfire Board and member of The DAR.
Mrs. Sheppard was a wonderful homemaker, who was dedicated to her husband and family. She enjoyed collecting antiques, sewing, crafts, and cooking. She loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and many foreign countries.
Left to cherish her memory are 3 children: Kathy Huskey, husband Rod of Leavenworth, KS, Barbara Sheppard of Dallas, TX, and John Sheppard, wife Karen of Barry, TX. Grandchildren are Grady Hubbard, wife Julie of Jacksonville, FL, Joel Hubbard, wife Lyndsay of Basehor, KS, Paul Sheppard, wife Amanda of Golden, CO, Jane Mastores, husband Chris of Evergreen, CO, and Anna Rogers, husband Caleb of Conway, Arkansas. Great grandsons are Cole and Bryce Hubbard of Basehor, KS, James and Thomas Sheppard of Golden, CO and Everett and Henry Rogers of Conway, Arkansas. Billie is also survived by one brother, Dan Gibbs, wife Karen, of Hot Springs, AR and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date in Corsicana, TX with inurnment at Dallas For Worth National Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 320 N. 15th St., Corsicana, TX 75110.