Thelma Mae Shepherd, age 85, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Friday, January 8, 2021, at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia.  She was born May 10, 1935, in Mt. Ida, the daughter of the late Earl and Callie Warren Ware.  Thelma was a homemaker and had a very special in home day care at her home for many years.  She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.  Thelma enjoyed Crossword puzzles, animals, and spending time with her family in her free time.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jack Shepherd, one brother, Murrell Ware, five sisters, Ailene Martin, Linda Martin, Berniece Dyess, Clarabelle Ware, Catherine Ware and one great-grandson Jacob Shepherd.

Survivors are two sons, Steve Shepherd (Loretta) of Arkadelphia and Gary Shepherd (Rhonda) of Arkadelphia, three sisters, Virginia Davis of Friendship, Hazel Hickson of Donaldson and Earlene Roles of Hot Springs, four grandchildren, Stephanie Ammerman, Mike Shepherd, Jessica Taylor and Jason Shepherd, and five great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with Bro. Phillip Runyan officiating.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation,  P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock, AR 72203-9984.

Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.