Louise Middleton Shepherd

Garner - Louise Middleton Shepherd, 88, passed away peacefully at Rex Hospital on January 26. Louise was born in southern Wake County on the outskirts of Garner on April 29, 1927, to William Ransom Middleton and Ola Elizabeth Hutchins Middleton.  After graduating from Garner High School, she attended Wake Tech and North Carolina State University, gaining skills in mathematics, drafting and surveying.   She was a 40-year employee of the NC Department of Transportation, retiring as a draftsman in the Lighting Division in 1989.  Louise was a life-long member of Holland’s United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for years and participated in multiple church and community activities. She loved travel, and was an accomplished artist, seamstress, and cook.  But her unconditional devotion to family and friends was her most notable personality trait.  Louise was always there for others. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 3:00 PM at Hollands United Methodist Church, Raleigh. Louise is survived by her two daughters, Marsha Martell and husband, Bobby of Salisbury, NC, and Jean Boerner and husband, David of Raleigh; her three grandchildren, Sara Causey and husband, Jon of Alexandria, VA, Christian Boerner and wife, Mary Ward of Raleigh, and Michael Boerner and wife, Rachel of Fort Mill, SC; her four great grandchildren, Lila Anne Causey, Emma Claire Causey, Jackson David Boerner, and Emily Elizabeth Boerner; her brother, William Middleton and wife, Martha of Garner; her sister-in-law Betty Middleton of Garner; as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom were special to her. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband James Edward Shepherd, her brother James Middleton of Garner, and her sister Nancy Lemmond of Brunswick, GA. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holland’s United Methodist Church, 9433 Ten-Ten Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, or to the charity of one’s choice.