Rebecca Shaw Shepherd

complications from an unexpected cardiac arrest that occurred on December 28, 2021. Born June

29, 1959, in Statesville, North Carolina, Rebecca was raised in Cartersville, Georgia. She loved

reminiscing about her childhood memories of spending time with family and friends at Sea

Island, Georgia and elsewhere. She graduated from Cartersville High School in 1977 and

obtained her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science, from the University of Georgia in

1981. She cherished her time as a member of Chi Omega's Mu Beta Chapter and as an alumna

she remained highly involved in supporting and encouraging the next generation of young

women leadership in the Atlanta area.

She lived in Atlanta, Georgia for 40 years and was an impactful member of the communities she

touched. After college, she worked briefly as a Sales Assistant at Merrill Lynch. Taking after her

family business, she went on to start her own retail carpet store, “Rebecca Shaw Carpet,” in

Buckhead that she operated for many years before having children. She poured her energy into

raising her children and uplifting the surrounding community. She was an active member of the

Shepherd Center Auxiliary, the Shepherd Center Advisory Board, and served as a Trustee at the

Fernbank Museum of Natural History for many years. She joined the Pace Academy Board of

Trustees in 2011 and served for nine years, helping facilitate tremendous growth for the school

during this period. She was also a member at Peachtree Presbyterian church. Beyond her

community, she loved spending time with family and friends anywhere that it was warm and

sunny.

Rebecca is predeceased by her father, J.C. (“Bud”) Shaw. She is survived by her husband,

William Clyde Shepherd III; children, William Clyde Shaw Shepherd and George Shaw

Shepherd; mother, Margaretta Lumpkin Shaw; sister, Lyda Shaw White (Art); brothers, Julius C.

Shaw (Wendy), Robert Lee Shaw (Sheila); uncles, R.E. (“Bob”) Shaw (Dottie), Tucker Grigg

(Cheryl); and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Rebecca was beloved; she had a large, loving circle of friends whom she treasured and who will

never forget her engaging personality and welcoming spirit. She had a contagious laugh,

fabulous sense of humor, and notorious generosity for celebration and entertainment. She was a

devoted wife and mother, and her children were her pride and joy. Rebecca’s family will be

forever grateful to the healthcare team at Piedmont Hospital for their care in her final days.

A private burial will be held and plans for a celebration of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of

flowers, donations may be made to the Shepherd Center Foundation (2020 Peachtree Rd NW,

Atlanta, GA 30309) or Peachtree Presbyterian Church (3434 Roswell Rd NW, Atlanta, GA

30305).

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to post tributes and sign the on-line register book.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr., Cartersville, GA 30120 is honored to serve Rebecca's family during this difficult time.