Martha “Bea” Shepherd

Martha Ellen Berniece Pritchett Shepherd was born on February 22, 1923, in Sparks, Oklahoma, and peacefully left her earthly family to join her loved ones in Heaven on September 7, 2012.

She was the seventh and youngest child of William Edward Pritchett, Sr., and Ruth Ann Tague Pritchett. The Pritchett family was a very loving family with all three sisters, three brothers and their spouses best friends for life. "Bea," as she was called by her husband and friends, was an all-around American girl, being a good student, good athlete, and talented singer. She completed business school at Hills Business College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and then worked for medical practices in Oklahoma City. Under the Lord's guidance, she met a young Army Air Corps officer, C.B. "Buzz" Shepherd, Jr., stationed at the then Will Rogers Army Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. They married shortly thereafter on February 8, 1946.

Bea and Buzz had an exceptional marriage lasting more than 66 years, with each one unconditionally dedicated to the other. They were often found in each other's embrace up through the time of Bea's passing. Bea was a stay-at-home wife and mother, raising two daughters Suzanne and Cynthia, and participating in a myriad of organizations to support both their development and her husband's career. Among her many accomplishments, she served as President of her cherished PEO Chapter and as President of the PTA chapter where her daughters attended school. She was known as an excellent hostess, cook, and the "life of the party," always putting first the needs and comfort of others. Bea was also known for her "flair," possessing an amazing sense of style, design, and immaculate beauty, both in her home and person. She greatly enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world with Buzz as her constant companion.

Known as "Mimi," first to her beloved nephews and nieces and then to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bea is survived by her husband Buzz; her two daughters Suzanne and husband Richard Discenza of Shawnee, Kansas, and Cynthia and husband Kent Yoesting of Houston, Texas; and her grandchildren Matthew (Michele) Streeter and their children Aidan and Clara of McGaheysville, Virginia; Julie (John) Fortenbery and their children Connor and Addison of Owings, Maryland; Amanda (Jake) Hendrix of Pearland, Texas; Tyler Yoesting of Dallas, Texas; and Travis Yoesting of Tyler, Texas. She is also survived by two step-grandsons Dean (Pam) and their children Peter and Clara of Rochester, New York, and Ryan (Jennifer) of Norman Oklahoma, as well as may special nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, W.E. and Ruth Ann Pritchett; her six siblings, Daniel Ellsworth Pritchett, Clarence Ollie Pritchett, Mary Anna Mae Pritchett Hall Tope, William Edward Pritchett, Jr., Vera Alice Pritchett Harrison, and Ruth Lorena Pritchett.

Funeral services will be held in Bea's honor at the Amos Family Funeral Home & Crematory at 10901 Johnson Drive in Shawnee, Kansas, at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2012, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Rose Hill Cemetery, 6001 Northwest Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73118.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to:

American Alzheimer’s Association - Heart of America Chapter

3846 W. 75th Street

Prairie Village, Kansas 66208