Lylia K Shepard

Lylia K. Shepard, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong Tampa resident, passed away peacefully at home on July 20, 2025, at the age of 94. She died of natural causes, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Born on January 31, 1931, in Tampa, Lylia was the daughter of Lynn Alexander Kerr and Kathilene Graves Kerr. She was predeceased by her parents and by her devoted husband, John Carrol Shepard, with whom she shared a long and loving marriage.

Lylia graduated from Plant High School and went on to attend the University of Florida, where she met John. After marrying, she dedicated her early years to raising their family as a homemaker before beginning a successful career in retail. She later became the longtime manager of Waldenbooks at West Shore Plaza, where she was known for her warmth, leadership, and deep love of literature.

A faithful member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, Lylia was also widely recognized in Tampa’s gardening community. In retirement, she became an award-winning gardener and an active member of several horticultural clubs, including the Tampa Bay Orchid Society, Bromeliad Guild of Tampa Bay, and Tampa Fern Club. She was admired for her remarkable “green thumb,” her innovative horticultural designs, and her boundless energy in organizing garden shows and competitions.

Lylia is survived by her sons, John Lynn Shepard of Katy, TX (Kathryn) , and Steven Mark Shepard of Wesley Chapel, FL (Diana); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Kathilene "Katie" Gress, Kelly Lauren Shepard, Teresa Carrol Shepard, and Andrew Paul Shepard; and her great-grandchildren, Zachary Mark Shepard and Lucy Noel Gress.

Lylia’s legacy of love, strength, and beauty will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.