After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in 1957, she went on to marry her classmate Franklin David Shepard on July 30, 1960.
Happily married for 65 years, she was a mother of five children, Jeffrey David Shepard, David Alan Shepard, Darek Lee Shepard, Cynthia Ann Shepard, and Sandra Dee Shepard. She was also grandmother to twelve grandchildren and great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren.
As an Air Force wife, she raised her family in stations all over the world, including San Angelo TX, England, Japan, and San Antonio TX. Her time abroad instilled a great love of travel in her, and she went on to enjoy travels across the United States and Europe including Belgium, the Netherlands, Paris, Alaska, and many international cruises.
Throughout her career, she held many positions, including working in reception, banking, and family services for the military. She was especially successful in Tupperware sales, earning many accolades and rewards throughout her time with the company.
Of all of these roles, her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother was paramount. She was a devoted caregiver, spending 16 years taking care of her daughter Sandra Dee at home following a TBI she sustained in her youth.
Despite many challenges she faced, Norma Jean was a life-long Christian who dedicated herself to instilling Christian values in her loved ones through example. She used discipline and endless love to nurture her family of more than twenty, who embody the legacy she leaves behind.
She was an expert hostess and especially talented at cooking, sewing, and playing piano. She was incredibly smart, well humored, generous, and kind. She loved children, puzzles, and was especially fond of music by Elvis Presley.
Norma Jean Shepard passed away at home on March 10, 2025 at the age of 85 in the presence of loved ones. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.
Visitation will be held between 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Porter Loring North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232.
A memorial service will be held on April 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Porter Loring North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232.
Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. A small reception will follow at the Shepard residence, 3410 Nightfall 78259, in Emerald Forest subdivision.
