Beth Bagley Shepherd peacefully entered heaven on March 22, 2021 just 4 days after her 88th birthday surrounded by her loving family. Born in Nacogdoches, TX to the late Ross and Evalena Bagley, she was the youngest in a family of six. In 1942 during World War II, the family moved to Orange, TX living in the Riverside neighborhood. Beth accepted Christ as her Savior as a teenager at Cove Baptist Church, where she continued to attend services until 1981. Beth graduated from Stark High School in 1950, after serving as the President of the Bengal Guards during her senior year.
Beth worked at DuPont where she met and married the late D.T. “Shep” Shepherd in 1954. Beth returned to work at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1966 and retired 24 years later.
Beth often said that “the best years of her life” were after she retired, when she and Shep started working out at the DERA Fitness Center, walking about 6 miles almost every day and biking throughout Orange, TX. Another major highlight of her retirement years were the incredible times that she and Shep spent with their two grandsons. They enjoyed camping, fishing and water skiing at Mill Creek and snow-skiing in New Mexico and Colorado.
Beth is preceded in death by Shep, her husband of 56 years, parents, a sister and a brother. Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Michael Shepherd of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Dana (James “Buck” Roberts), and her sister, Martha Hall, of Orange, TX. Beth’s pride and joy were her two surviving grandsons Justin Roberts (Mary-Pat Moyer) and Jacob Roberts of Houston, TX. Beth is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their children.
Beth’s family wishes to acknowledge Prescribed Home Health Inc. & Southeast Texas Hospice whose services, support and guidance allowed her to continue living at home. We also extend our appreciation to the Pastor and congregation of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church, where she attended church services with Shep for many years and continued after his passing. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask that memorial contributions be directed to McDonald Memorial Baptist Church at 2015 Sims St., Orange, TX 77630.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, TX. Officiating will be Brother Thomas Anthony and Brother Jeff Bell. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange, TX.
Visitation will begin prior to the funeral service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, TX.
Serving as pallbearers will be James “Buck” Roberts, Justin Roberts, Jacob Roberts, Anthony “Tony” Celestine, George Williams, and Jesse Ayala. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Clay Rawls, James Bevan, Bill Dineen, Cole Hillebrandt, Steven Mazzola, and Adam Mazzola.
Condolences
Rosemary Hodgkinson
March 26, 2021
Special lady. Many breathed easier because she lived. God be with you all during this most difficult time. Deepest sympathy, Rosemary
Anonymous
March 26, 2021
Be My Love Bouquet with Red Roses was purchased for the family of Beth Bagley Shepherd.
Anonymous
March 26, 2021
A New Sunrise Spray was purchased for the family of Beth Bagley Shepherd.
Anonymous
March 25, 2021
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Beth Bagley Shepherd.
Anonymous
March 25, 2021
Rainbow Reflections Basket was purchased for the family of Beth Bagley Shepherd.
Claybar Funeral Home
March 25, 2021
117 files added to the album LifeTributes
Becky Galey
March 24, 2021
Our sweet Beth. She belonged to our entire neighborhood. I remember how she & Shep helped take care of my parents as they aged. Beth helped give my high school graduation tea and my bridal shower. We truly lived on the best block in town, thanks to the Shepherds & other families who lived there. I will miss her sweet voice. Mike, Dana & family, my heart goes out to you all. Much love. Becky (Smith) Galey
Howeth Family
March 24, 2021
HOWETH FAMILY lit a candle in memory of Beth Bagley Shepherd
Roxanne Whiteley
March 24, 2021
A kind and faithful friend, Beth was one of my Mom's favorite neighbors. May memories of happier times bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Anonymous
March 24, 2021
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Beth Bagley Shepherd.
Anonymous
March 24, 2021
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Beth Bagley Shepherd.
Anonymous
March 23, 2021
Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of Beth Bagley Shepherd.