Deborah Alice Poovey Shepherd

Deborah Alice “Petunia” Poovey Shepherd, 65, died on May 25, 2015, after a brief battle with cancer. Born on July 7, 1949, in Hickory, North Carolina, Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Homer Allen and Rachel Nelson Poovey; her brother, Herbert Poovey; and two nephews, Scot Poovey and Stacy Poovey. She is survived by two sisters, Nancy Poovey Swanger of Seguin, Texas, and Suzanne Poovey Keever of Conover, North Carolina; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Conchita Poovey of Waynesville, North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Jean Poovey of Jacksonville, Florida; three nieces and seven nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Debbie lived life on her own terms, trusting in her God and making many friends along her journey. She loved living in the country with her animals, attending spirited church services, and painting with her friends.