Beulah Shepard

Beulah Shepard was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She endured many hardships during her lifetime and understood the meaning of hard work and scarcity. In spite of often having little of her own, she was generous and more than willing to share what she had with those in need.

The early part of the twentieth century found William and Nancy (Andersen) Dowell working hard on their farm in Franklin, North Carolina, raising their children to be diligent and responsible. On January 18, 1933, their already bustling household received its fifteenth and final member. That was the day their sweet daughter Beulah was born. The Dowells had strong historical roots in the area. William's ancestors had immigrated to the United States and settled there around the late 1700s, near the time of North Carolina's admission to statehood. Most of Beulah's relatives made their living farming, as did her family. Her grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee.

Beulah's family was poor and suffered particular hardships during the 1930s, experiencing the turmoil brought on by the Great Depression. Work was not easy to come by and Beulah's father often had to leave the family for long periods of time, working on other farms to help provide for them. The children attended school for a time, but most of them, including Beulah, dropped out by the eighth grade in order to work on the farm. The family was self-sufficient, eating only what they produced themselves.

Understandably, living conditions were quite primitive during those years. Beulah's family had no modern conveniences, such as, running water or electricity. They kept their food cold by placing it in the cool waters of a nearby creek. Instead of watching television or listening to the radio, Beulah's family would gather in the evenings and listen to stories told by the adults. Many of the stories included ghosts and other things that go bump in the night, discouraging the children from carrying out any plans they may have had to wander away from the house during the hours of darkness. The Dowells attended a Southern Baptist Church. It was there that Beulah learned the foundations of Christian faith. She held on to those traditions throughout her life.

After World War II, many veterans returned home and had to make some difficult adjustments as they re-entered civilian life. One such man was Howard Shepard. Beulah met him during a visit to Franklin and determined then and there that he was the man for her, despite the fact that he already had a girlfriend. Apparently he wasn't too attached to that one, however, and after a whirlwind courtship, he and Beulah were married on December 18, 1948. Since Beulah was only fifteen at the time, the couple had to travel to South Carolina to exchange vows. Beulah and Howard remained devoted to one another for over forty years.

The young couple settled in Franklin and soon had two children. Howard and his brother were in the logging business. It was hard work and did not provide the money necessary to support a growing family. Howard's brother moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and found work, later encouraging Howard to join him. Howard and Beulah made the long move to Grand Rapids in 1956 and Howard immediately went to work for the Northview School District doing custodial work and bus driving. Beulah found employment at a Big Boy restaurant and worked for several years as a waitress. She also worked at Wheeler Van Label Company for a time, taking care of her family and helping to support them financially. Eventually three more children were added to the Shepard family.

Howard began to feel the need to change jobs. He had heard there were job opportunities in Florida, so in 1971, some of the Shepards moved to the Sunshine State. Beulah found a job as a dietician at the Naples Hospital. The desire to be with children and grandchildren got the best of them, however, and in 1973 they moved back to West Michigan. Due to some health issues, Beulah retired from outside employment. She still stayed busy with her family's needs, however, looking out for everyone. She was an outstanding example of service and sacrifice in her consistent care of her husband just prior to his death. Her devotion spoke volumes to those who were privileged enough to witness it.

Beulah's family always came first. She made sure her children had what they needed, not just materially, but in matters of character as well. She trained them to be respectful, responsible, and caring. She also made sure that they were able to take care of themselves, and spent time teaching each one how to cook, a skill they all enjoy to this day. She adored her grandchildren and welcomed them at all times. Every Sunday she would prepare her famous pot roast dinner, a precious tradition that her family now carries on.

Surviving are Beulah's children, Thomas and Kristen Shepard, Paulette and David Orcutt, Annette Coby, Danny and Jami Shepard, and Denise Rotach; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, Clayton and Leona Dowell; her sisters, Nell Wilks and Kate Downs; and several nieces and nephews.

Beulah passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2004. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard. She was seventy-one.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 5, from 6 - 9 PM, at the Van Strien - Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Funeral services will be held at the chapel on Thursday, May 6, at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Grant, Michigan. To read Beulah's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the American Diabetes Association, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although Beulah will be deeply missed, she leaves her loved ones with a legacy of commitment, hard work, and love. Her hopes for them will continue to be fulfilled as they aspire to follow her example.