Heather Sheppard

Heather Sheppard, 37, of Springfield, passed away at 11:31 p.m. on July 5, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center. Heather was born April 25, 1975 in Springfield, the daughter of Mark Smith and Debbie Reed. Heather was known for being a prankster, who had a sense of humor. She was fun, outgoing, and her family and friends were important to her. She enjoyed traveling, hiking, singing karaoke, and floral arranging. She was preceded in death by her step-father, Kipp Sheppard, Sr; sister, Tabatha Schmidt; grandmother, Florence Smith; and grandparents, Pauline and Richard Reed. She is survived by her mother, Debbie Schmidt, of Springfield; father, Mark (wife, Kathy) Smith of Springfield; son, Joshua Sheppard (companion, Kimberly Staley) of Springfield; grandfather, John Mark Smith of Springfield; granddaughter, Brooklyn Sheppard of Springfield; four siblings, Erica Schmidt and Kipp Sheppard, Jr., both of Springfield, and Dominic and Danielle Smith of New Orleans; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. The family will be hosting a memorial gathering from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at South Side Christian Church, 2600 South MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield. A dinner will be served for all those in attendance immediately following ceremonies. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Heather Sheppard Memorial Fund, c/o any Marine Bank branch to be used for her granddaughter, Brooklyn.