Aletha N Shepley

ALETHA N. SHEPLEY- Born Margaret Aletha Nettles on June 27th, 1924 in Okeechobee, Florida to James Lawrence Nettles and Ouida (Addison) Nettles. She was the oldest of eight children. At age four, after the 1928 hurricane, the family moved to the hamlet of Georgetown in Putnam County, Florida. Soon after graduating from Crescent City High School in 1943, she moved to Stark, Florida to work as a long-distance telephone operator for Southern Bell Telephone Company as part of the war effort. In 1946 Southern Bell transferred her to West Palm Beach to work during the winter “season.” With the war ending and Camp Blanding being shut down, Southern Bell offered her full-time employment in West Palm Beach. She took the opportunity and worked for Ma Bell for about 10 years. On June 19, 1949, she married Paul Dungan Barnes. They had five children and were married nearly 51 years when Paul passed away May 1, 2000. They were married at Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach where she was a member until 1988 when she was instrumental, along with more than 80 members of Memorial Presbyterian Church, in organizing Providence Presbyterian Church, PCA of West Palm Beach. During her time at Memorial Presbyterian Church, she served as nursery worker, Sunday School teacher, assisted in Vacation Bible School, served in the Women of the Church as Circle Leader and President for two years. She was devoted to getting her children to church and was actively involved in their activities. She hosted the Youth Group, provided meals and chaperoned often. She was a great support to many of the staff at church, which included once leaving a piece of Daiquiri Pie for the secretary that was eaten by the minister. She joined Lake Osborne Presbyterian Church in 1995. Outside of church she filled positions as room mother, Cheerleader Squad Chaperone and Choir Parents President. She was a seamstress and made many clothes and costumes for her children and grandchildren.

After the kids were grown, Aletha worked for Recordcopy Services at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. She was a Poll Worker for Palm Beach County for eight years and served Jury Duty many times. She was a fan of the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat.

On September 28, 2002, she married Raymond Shepley, Sr, the love of her life. After marrying Raymond, she loved inviting the ladies from church to their home for luncheons. They enjoyed nearly ten years of absolute wedded bliss until Raymond passed away July 3, 2012.

Aletha was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her brothers William H. Nettles, Olan Nettles and her sisters Latrelle Nettles Hall Smith and Jeanette Nettles Wagner, daughter-in-law Linda Barnes, and son-in law Robin Hurley. She is survived by her children; David Barnes (Maria) of East Palatka, FL, Carole Pate (James) of Orlando, FL, Patricia Holmes (Wallace) of Perry, FL, Martha Hurley of Hope Hull, AL, and Margaret Breen of Crescent City, FL, sixteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, her brothers Maurice Nettles, Troy Nettles and Marvel Nettles, many nieces, nephews and their families. As well as Raymond’s beloved grandsons Randy Shepley (Alice) and Matt Shepley (Kristen) and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Nursing Services of the Palm Beaches with special thanks to Suany, Beverly and Marissa and Trustbridge Hospice Care with special thanks to Ernestine, Peter, and Sabrina.

A visitation and luncheon will be held at Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center, 6411 Parker Ave, West Palm Beach, FL on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm. The Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 pm at the same location.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trustbridge Hospice of Palm Beach County.