Opal Faye (Tomberlin) Sheppard

opal sheppard

September 28, 1924 ~ May 20, 2020

Born in: Yancy County, NC
Resided in: Matthews, NC

Opal Faye (Tomberlin) Sheppard, 95, of Matthews and formerly of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, May 20, 2020 at Brookdale Weddington Park, Matthews.

Born in Yancy County, she was the wife of the late Emery Lee Sheppard, who died February 15, 2020. They had been married 78 years. She was the daughter of the late Jessie A. and Cora Ellen (Buckner) Tomberlin. She was also preceded in death by a son, Garry D. Sheppard, 2 brothers and a sister.

Opal was a member of Stoney Mountain Baptist Church, Hendersonville. She loved her church and loved being in Ann Hill’s Sunday School Class.

Opal retired from Square D after more than 25 years of employment. She was a foster grandparent, working and volunteering for 7 years with the Orthopedic School at Estes Elementary. She enjoyed working in her yard and growing beautiful flowers. She cherished her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Larry W. Sheppard (Lynda) of Greenville, SC and Morris Sheppard of Mount Pleasant, SC; a daughter, Karen Dillard (Dave) of Waxhaw, NC; 7 grandchildren: Bryan, Garry, Greg, Brad, Chad, Brandon, and Ryan; 14 great-grandchildren; and 5 sisters-in-law.

Graveside services will be private and a public memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stoney Mountain Baptist Church, 3301 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247.

Opal’s family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Weddington Park for the care they provided to her during her stay.

Services

Private Graveside Service:

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Larry, we’re so sorry to hear about the passing of you mother. You, Lynda and your family are in our thoughts & prayers

  2. Larry and Linda……may God wrap His arms around you at this time….such a sweet lady….you were blessed. Much Love

  3. This is ONE OF THE SWEETEST LADY’S EVER AND A GREAT CHRISTAIN. WORKED WITH HER MANY WONDERFUL YEARS AT THE “D”. She will be TRULY MISSED.

    • Bob, thank you for your thoughts! Mother truly enjoyed time at Square D and the friendships she developed. She was loved and will definitely be missed by many!

  4. Our lives are richly blessed having known your sweet Mother. Our prayer is that the family have peace until we see her again.

    • Bob, thank you so much for your thoughts! You all were a big part of Mother and Daddy’s life during the last years in Heatherwood. You were a true blessing! They would not have been able to stay in their home as long as they did without you assistance. Again thank you for everything!

  5. Larry & Lynda, a Family so enriched by having two long living parents and in laws. Losing both in such a short period is hard! Our Blessings and Comfort to all of your family, I know you were very proud of her.

  6. We can’t begin to say how special Opal was to us. We know we will see her again.

    • Ed and Elizabeth, you all are truly special people! Mother truly cherished your friendship and thoughtfulness to her over the years. Thank you so much!

  7. Larry, Morris and Karen- just got news of your Mom’s death— 78 years of marriage is so remarkable. Both of your parents were such good friends to my parents- Ed and Bonnie Stevens. I am now living in Simpsonville beside my daughter. Hope to talk to you soon. Praying for a peace that passes all understanding.

    • Shirley, thanks so much for your thoughts. The Stevens Family was definitely a big and important part of our Family’s life over the years. You had been on my mind several times over the last months particularly around Daddy’s services. Ed was a good friend to my Father and you and Lewis were good friends to me. Thanks again.
      Lynda and I have been in the Simpsonville/Mauldin area since 1969. After I retired from KEMET in 2002, we moved near Seneca, South Carolina but moved back to the east Greenville area last May. Call me some time at 8644191598, would love to catch up.

  8. Larry, Morris and Karen, just found out about the death of your mother. Your parents were really good friends of my parents—Ed and Bonnie Stevens. Married for 78years is remarkable. I am now living in Simpsonville, S.C. next to my daughter. Hope to see you or catch up sometime. Praying for a peace that passes all understanding

    Ea

  9. We are so very sorry for your loss. When she visited our Mom she was very sweet and nice to Mom. I always enjoyed speaking with her. I have each of you on my mind after hearing this sad news. We all got to know each other under special circumstances and I will always remember your Mom fondly. I was very pleased when you folks reached out to my Mom and I really appreciate it.

  10. Larry, Morris, and Karen,

    Agnes and I want to send our condolences to you’ll along with your families on the loss of your mother. Aunt Opal was always so nice to me over the years, and I enjoyed seeing her smile. I hope she is now with Garry again, after such a loss for her. She lived a wonderful life and raised some amazing children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you’ll.

  11. What a beautiful, sweet celebration of your mother’s life today. We know she was smiling and singing those wonderful hymns. The minister gave such a great description of the person she always was—encouraging, kind, loving, patient, and always thankful. He said it all. What a blessing it has been to have known and loved her.

    Love and prayers to you all,
    Bridget, Larry, and Melissa

  12. What a blessing, honor and privilege our family had to know and love your parents. Mrs Opal was always gracious and kind and always had a servant’s heart.

  13. It is with sadness that I read of the passing of Opal; but with joy for her knowing she is with her heavenly father.
    I worked with Opal at Square D, she has been a dear friend of mine . May God comfort the families during this time of their loss.

  14. Karen,
    I am so sorry to hear that Opal passed away. She was a wonderful person. She was such a good friend to my mother, Mary, and I’m so glad they got to know each other. She really looked out for Mom as Mom’s health began to decline. Opal will always have a special place in my heart.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide