Arlene Jo Sheppard

Arlene Jo (Smith) Sheppard, age 87, died Dec. 6, 2017, at Legacy Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Russellville. A daughter of Horace Clyde Smith and Norma Melinda (Rachel) Smith, she was born June 17, 1930, in Russellville. She married Charles Spurgeon Sheppard Jr., on Aug. 20, 1950, and together they owned & operated Sheppard's Jewelry in downtown Russellville for 40 years. Arlene was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Russellville. She loved and was keenly interested in studies of genealogy and family history, encouraging her membership with the Daughters of the American Revolution; the Plantagenet Society in right of lineal descent from the Plantagenet Kings of England; the Society of Descendants of Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter; the National Society Magna Charta Dames; the Sovereign Colonial Society Americans of Royal Descent; the Colonial Order of the Crown in right of accredited lineal descent from the Emperor Charlemagne. She also enjoyed antique collecting, songwriting and poetry. Mrs. Sheppard was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband & partner of 65 years, Charles Sheppard; two step-sisters, Helen Evans (Buddy), and Agnes Smith; and a step-brother, Wilson Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Charles Richard Sheppard (Linda) of Russellville and, Gary Michael Sheppard (Kimberly) of Grandbury, Texas; two loving grandchildren, Sydney Wren Sheppard of Texas and, Charles Jackson Sheppard, of Oregon; and two sisters, Wanda Lou Bailey (Paul) of Russellville, and, Glennette Price (Darwin) of London; a very special friend, Elva Knight; and many other nieces, nephews and relatives. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at Humphrey Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Gail Baldwin officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 304 South Commerce, Russellville, AR 72801. Internet obituary and online guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.