Velda Faye Sheppard

Velda Faye Sheppard (née Watts), age 92, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, in Fresno, California, following a short illness. She was born on August 10, 1933, in Longdale, Oklahoma. In 1945, she moved to Visalia, California, with her mother and two younger brothers. Velda attended Redwood High School, where she met AB "Smokey" Sheppard in 1949. They married in September 1950 and began their life together in Southern California.

Velda began her working life as a salesclerk in Oklahoma City. After relocating to California in the 1960s, she joined Drug Fair in Fresno's Tower District. There, she advanced from salesclerk to cosmetologist and eventually became manager of the cosmetics department, dedicating over twenty years to the company. Later, she returned to work at Sierra Nut House, retiring as the coffee manager.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Raised attending the Assembly of God church, Velda accepted the Lord as her Savior at a young age. She remained devoted to her faith throughout her life and was a longtime member of People's Church in Fresno.

Velda will be lovingly remembered by her son, Michael B. Sheppard; twin daughters Cherryl Stark and husband Rick, and Sherry Motte and husband Bob; grandchildren Hillorie Schrock and husband Jeff (and their children Audra and Susannah), Heidi Ratzlaff and husband Chris (and their children Michael, Emmett, and Alexander), twin granddaughters Stefanie Motte and Stacy Motte, and Kellie Hershey and husband Keith (and their children Gwen and Robyn); sister-in-law, Millie Watts; nephew's Mark and Stephen Watts and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, AB Sheppard Jr.; grandson Michael B. Sheppard Jr.; parents Fred D. Watts and Audrey Watts; and brothers Alvin Leroy Watts and Fred D. Watts Jr.

May Velda's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

A committal service will be held at the Visalia Public Cemetery District, located at 1300 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia, California, on December 29, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.

Following the committal service, a reception will take place at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia, California.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to JDF (Juvenile Diabetes Fund).