Elaine Shepherd

Elaine was born to Lola and Errett Rains Newby on November 9, 1918, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and was raised in Oklahoma City where she has been a lifelong resident. Elaine graduated from Classen High School and attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, before completing her education at the University of Oklahoma. At OU, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and earned a bachelor’s degree in speech. It was in Norman that she met James William Shepherd, Jr., the son of Dr. and Mrs. James W. Shepherd, and the two became college sweethearts and wed on September 14, 1942, while Jim was on leave of duty from the U. S. Army during World War II. Elaine and “Jimmy,” as she fondly called him, were happily married for fifty-nine years until his death in 2001. Those years were filled with the passion and love they shared for their children, grandchildren, numerous friends, the arts, opera, golf, OU football, traveling, and the simple joys of life.

Elaine was a positive and optimistic lady, full of energy, and had a love of life and people. She was a generous and gracious hostess and found great pleasure in hosting a variety of parties and elegant dinners—all with her incredible style and warm hospitality. She valued education and was an avid reader and lifelong learner, attending lectures and Town Halls, visiting museums, and studying art. Elaine had a deep knowledge and appreciation for nature and enjoyed bird watching, taking long walks, swimming, canoeing, and snow skiing which she first learned at the young age of fifty-five and continued through her seventies. She had a sincere enthusiasm for volunteering and was active in many clubs and organizations. She served as Bluebird and Campfire Girls leader, Boy Scouts Den Mother, Homeroom Mother, and former President of League of Women Voters. She was also active in Oklahoma City Symphony, Central Oklahoma Opera League, Philomathea, Art Renaissance Club, Dig ‘n Hope Garden Club, Crown Heights Christian Church Ladies Group 2, several bridge and sewing clubs, and many more.

Elaine was a loyal and steadfast friend that everyone adored. Her beautiful and genuine smile lit up every room as well as everyone’s heart.

Preceding Elaine in death were her parents, Lola and Errett Newby, her beloved husband Jim, sisters Ruth Jones of Oklahoma City and Rosemary Mullen of Richmond, VA, and brother David N. Newby of Lubbock, Texas.

Left to cherish her memory are a sister-in-law Ruth Ann Newby of Lubbock, Texas, son James William Shepherd, III and wife Georgia of Houston, Texas, daughter Susan Bernardy of Edmond, son-in-law Dan Bernardy of Edmond, granddaughter Katie (Bernardy) Treadwell and husband David, of Edmond, and grandsons Kevin W. Bernardy, of Edmond, and Chris Shepherd, of Houston, Texas. Elaine’s three precious great-grandchildren Annabelle, David, Jr., and William “Will” Treadwell, all of Edmond, Oklahoma, were a special joy to her.

Our family sincerely thanks the staff at Tealridge Assisted Living and Memory Care and Crossroads Hospice for their kind and gentle care of Elaine. We are grateful for the ladies of Crown Heights Christian Church for their constant support and encouragement these past years.

A Memorial Service and Reception Celebrating Elaine’s life will be held 2:00pm, Monday, January 6, 2014 at Crown Heights Christian Church, 4020 North Western, Oklahoma City, OK.