Obituaries

Betty Lou Sheppard, 79, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was born on September 11, 1946, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Raymond H. Taylor and Nina Martin Taylor Hardie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Elvin William Sheppard.

Betty was a faithful member of Bible Baptist Church. She retired after 27 years at Bassett Furniture Company, where she worked in Accounts Payable. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be remembered for her warm smile and caring spirit. She enjoyed singing, especially Christmas carols, watching hummingbirds, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite places to visit was Pigeon Forge.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Walter Ellis Sheppard; daughter, Dawn Shelton (Todd); sister, Ann Wilson (Charles); brother, Tommy Hardie; grandchildren, Ethan Shelton, Zoie Shelton, and Abbie Shelton; and a host of other family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel with Pastor Raymond Moorefield officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Betty to Bible Baptist Church, 316 Spring Drive, Collinsville, Virginia 24078.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.