Kelly Shepard

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Kelly J. Shepard, 61, of Joplin Missouri passed away at Joplin Health and Rehab Center on March 2, 2026 after a long illness. Kelly was born on October 28, 1964 in Bellflower, California to the late Floyd Keith Shepard and Dorothy Dean Dickison. Kelly worked with adults with disabilities. She graduated from Parkwood High School in 1982 where she was a varsity cheerleader and sang in the choir.

Kelly was a member of St Paul’s Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She was engaged to the love of her life, Shane, who preceded her in death.

Kelly was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. She fought a hard and courageous battle never letting her faith waver until the very end. She enjoyed watching Pastor Andrew Farley every night and he prayed with her over the phone several times. She eventually got to fly to Dallas, Texas to one of his conferences, even having her picture taken with him.

Kelly is survived by her brother, Brad Shepard and wife, Teresa from Key West, Florida, her cousins, Judy, Nancy and Debbie and sister, Kim and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2026 with a fellowship meal to follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO