Christine Bates Shepard was born on Dec. 12, 1924 to the late Charlie and Lucille Graves Bates, and died on Jan. 8, 2021 at the age of 96.

In addition to her parents she is also preceded by her husband Joe Stephens Shepard. brother J.R., J.T., and Haskell Bates, sisters Lorene Mayberry, and Charlene Cates.

She is survived by daughters Linda Shepard Lester, Emily Lester, and son Evan (Ashley) Lester, sister Mary Bryant, and granddaughter Madeline Lester.