Carolyn Julia Shepherd

Carolyn Shepherd (née Finkbeiner), 87, passed away in her home on May 9, 2024. Carolyn was a quiet and introverted soul, but those lucky enough to love her recall a passionate, stubborn, and fiercely loyal woman with a down-to-earth personality and surprising wit.

Carolyn was born after her twin brother, Carl, on December 4, 1936 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to Ernest and Betha (Möhrle) Finkbeiner of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She married the love of her life, Royce Shepherd, on June 17, 1955, after years of exchanging love letters while Royce was stationed in Japan with the US Navy. Together they established and managed several successful businesses, starting with Sweden Creme, a Little Rock drive-in (1958-1972). In 1972, they moved to a small farm in Sheridan, where they operated the Winterpine Tree Farm (1983-2000), and bred Charolais cattle until Royce’s death in 2021.

Carolyn famously loved all things Christmas, and delighted in collecting Hallmark ornaments with her daughter, Dianna. They would spend hours together laughing and reminiscing while meticulously decorating their Christmas trees. Carolyn regularly displayed no fewer than four Christmas trees in her home each season, and her family will tell the stories behind each ornament for years to come.

Carolyn was a skilled cook, innovative baker, and a fabulous host. Holidays and birthdays were always celebrated with her inimitable twice-baked potatoes and Perfect Chocolate Cake—recipes she developed herself. To perfect her recipes, Carolyn would test them on an eager Royce, once baking and tweaking (and Royce eating) eight batches of gingerbread cookies until she mastered a firm, yet tender and chewy, version of that Christmas treat.

Carolyn was also a voracious reader who enjoyed a variety of genres. In 1997, a stroke robbed her of the ability to read and write. But Carolyn painstakingly worked to relearn those skills, practicing with her young grandchildren who were themselves learning to read. At the age of 61, Carolyn taught herself to read and write again. It is but one of many examples of Carolyn’s unyielding will—a trait that served her well throughout her life, and especially during her 66 years of marriage to Royce.

Carolyn tirelessly supported Royce until his death in December 2021. She worked alongside Royce at the drive-in and on the cattle farm, and meticulously kept the books for all their businesses. Together with their son, Robert, they established Shepherd Builders Inc., constructing homes, businesses, and churches throughout Arkansas.Their lives were defined by hard work and sacrifice, but they knew to stop and find joy in the simple things. Carolyn and Royce—or Granny and Poppy, as they were affectionately known for the last 40 years—created magical childhoods on their farm. Their hard work, love, and devotion to each other, their family, and their community is borne out in their legacy.

Carolyn’s children and grandchildren are first responders, veterans, missionaries spreading the love of Christ, therapists, engineers, a lawyer, a nurse, and a teacher. Carolyn was immensely proud that they all chose to lead lives of service and purpose. But most of all, she was proud that they have all became loving and devoted parents themselves.

Carolyn’s family will forever cherish her memory. She is survived by her children, Robert (Valerie) Shepherd, and Dianna (Joe Lynn) Waddle, both of Sheridan; five grandchildren, Jessica Waddle (Jonathan Weldon), Courtney Scott, Eric (Jena) Shepherd, Lindsey (Aaron) Hughes, and Nick (Katie) Shepherd; eight great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Lydia Scott, Callie and Pahi Hughes, Sadie and Jack Shepherd, Alice Weldon, and Blair Shepherd; and her beloved sister in-law, Loretta Shepherd, of Mabelvale. Royce and Carolyn were preceded in death by their infant daughter, Vickie.

A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas, on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 11 a.m.