Janice Thurston Shepherd (MeMe), 78, died peacefully at Hospice of Chattanooga on Friday, July 7. Born to Howard and Helen Day Thurston in Skowhegan, she lived her early life as the second to youngest of 11 surviving children on a farm in Cornville Maine, and later moved to Connecticut. In her youth she was an award-winning sharpshooter and outdoor enthusiast. She enjoyed sports and was a huge fan of the Lady Vols. Jan married Wesley Welton “Skip” Shepherd, U.S.N. and had two sons, Terry and Wesley Jr. (“Kip”). Her young family moved across the country to Ohio but settled in Chattanooga, Tenn., where she, her husband and the boys built a Westsail sailboat in their backyard. Together they spent much time exploring the coastal waterways. MeMe had a natural affinity for both animals and people, but most especially babies. A more beloved daughter, mother, aunt, sister and grandmother will never be found. She believed that work is good, but a life without play is not a life worth living, and you could always find her at a family event by looking for where the crowds of children were gathering. She is survived by three sisters, Marilyn Newcombe, of Rockfall Conn., Ruth Bugai and Marian Newcombe. She also leaves behind her two sons; daughter-in-law; three grandchildren, Duncan, Sophie, and Ruby Jane; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces who will miss her forever. Plans for Jan's services have not been finalized, and will be announced.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18