Carol Ann Shepherd

All who knew Carol Shepherd would agree that she had one of the biggest hearts around. Loving, nurturing, and giving by nature, she lived to care for others whether her family, the children in her care, or others within her community. Carol was a devoted wife and mother, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her greatest source of pride and joy. She enjoyed so many things that enriched her lifes journey, but what made these experiences even better was sharing them with the ones she loved. Life will never be the same without Carol here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps. It seems only fitting that Carols journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the 1950s when televisions were becoming part of our living rooms in record numbers, which meant that shows like Father Knows Best redefined how we saw the average American family. James Dean made your girls swoon on the silver screen, and Elvis was king. It was just as this decade was getting started that John and Effie Peterman were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the promise of spring appeared on the horizon in March of 1951. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Carol Ann drew her first breath in Hackley Hospital in Muskegon on March 6th. She was the third of four children to be raised in the family home in Fruitport Township, joined in her family by her older siblings, Bob and Linda, and her younger sister, Sue. Her father worked at Noreen Pattern and was also a custodian at Fruitport Schools while her mother was a secretary at Orchard View School. In many ways, Carol was a young girl of her generation. As a lifelong resident of Fruitport Township, she attended Fruitport Schools. She had a passion for softball and went on to graduate from high school in 1969. As a young woman, Carol worked at the Village Inn in the village of Fruitport, and she later worked at Wabers Dairy. It was while working at Wabers that Carol met the young man of her dreams. His name was Richard David Shepherd, and he worked across the street but often came over for coffee with his boss. It was love at first sight when he wrote a note asking Carol if she wanted to go on a date. She was more than happy to oblige. That date led to more dates, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to make a life together, Carol and Richard were married on November 29, 1969, at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Grand Haven. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Richard David Jr. in 1970 and Tawnya Eugenia in 1975. They raised their children in the family home on Briar Street in Fruitport. Throughout her life there was never anything that was of greater significance to Carol than her family. She loved taking care of them, and it has been said that she was the best wife and mother that anyone could ever ask for. All throughout her life she was known for caring for others, and she was just one of the most amazing people around. As a family, the Shepherds enjoyed camping in Beulah, visits to Kings Island, and faithfully attending the Berean Church in Muskegon. The holidays were something that Carol always looked forward to as she treasured spending time with her family. In addition, she went over and above to make sure that everything was perfect. During the summer, they had ice cream almost every night. As a dog lover, Carol always had a dog around as another member of the family. To those who knew Carol, it really isnt surprising that someone as loving, nurturing, and giving as she was worked as a daycare provider for much of her life. She spent 26 years caring for countless children, retiring in 2005. Excited to spend more time with her daughter, she worked part-time with Tawnya for American Greetings for ten years during her retirement years. Over the years, Carol enriched her life in so many ways. She was an amazing friend with a huge heart. Among her closest friends were Rachael Hansen, who is better known as Tom, Debbie Givens, Pam Six, Cindy Fairfield, and so many more. Carol enjoyed crafts, genealogy, and going to the casino including the time that a trip to the Soaring Eagle Casino ended up taking them on a six hour car ride on the way home after they were lost and driving in circles for way too long! During her retirement years, Carol put more time into genealogy, and she was known to haul her husband around to visit new-found relatives. She also kept busy with various crafts and numerous trips to the casino. Later in life, Carol was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandmother. She was an amazing role model when it comes to being a mother, which is how Tawnya became such a fantastic mother herself. Carol loved going to all of her grandchildrens events, and she was forever doing crafts or cooking with them, teaching them to sew, or just showering them with love and attention. She continued to be an amazing hostess and event planner, and although she always asked others to bring a dish to pass, she invariably brought everything under the sun on her own. Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Carol Shepherd touched everyone she met in such a special way. She was gracious generous, and genuine with the most amazing selfless spirit. Carols love and devotion for her family had no equal, and she was a treasured friend to many. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed. Carol Ann Shepherd died on October 9, 2015, at 9:50 p.m. at Hackley Hospital. Carols family includes her husband, Richard (David); son, Rich (Bridget) Shepherd Jr. of Fruitport; daughter, Tawnya (Greg) Bonillas; 8 grandchildren, Richie III, Jacob, Shawna, Rebekah, Aubrey, Shanna, Samantha, Shyam; brother, Bob (Sharon) Peterman; sisters, Linda Corley, Sue VanDrunen; several nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ron DePung officiating. Interment in Fruitport Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to the family.