Caroline N. Shepard

Caroline Newbern Shepard, 81 years young, of Tampa, went home to be with the Lord on April 26, 2023. Caroline was born to Copeland and Edna Newbern in Brooksville, Florida. She moved to Tampa as a young girl. Caroline graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 1959, she went on to study fashion design at Stephen’s College in Columbia, Missouri. At Stephen’s she met the love of her life, John K. Shepard. Caroline was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, an avid shopper, and the life of every party. Caroline was an American Saddlebred horse enthusiast, enjoyed tennis, a talented golfer, a gourmet cook, and an accomplished and knowledgeable gardener. She had an eye for interior design, fashion, and was passionate about creating art especially painting. She had a vivacious personality and always made people laugh. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Chiselers, and the Rose Circle Garden Club and a past member of the Junior League of Tampa. Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, Copeland and Edna Newbern. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, John K. Shepard, two daughters, Helen M. Shepard, and Kendall S. Wichman (Michael); five grandchildren, Brian S. Grieves (Karlee), Caroline L. Grieves, John S. Grieves, Kendall R. Wichman, and Reid R. Wichman; and her sister, Nancy N. Skemp (Peter). Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 4th at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 906 S. Orleans Ave., Tampa, FL. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 6th at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park in Tampa, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, The Tampa Bay History Center, or a charity of your choice.