Althea Jean Arterbery Sheppard was born in Sherman, Texas on June 25, 1925, to the late Altha and Daisy Arterbery.

She ascended to her eternal home Friday, February 28, 2025, at Texoma Medical Center following an extended illness.

Mrs. Sheppard graduated from Fred Douglass High School in 1941.  She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma.  She later received her Master of Arts Degree from Columbia University, New York, NY.  Because of her high respect for knowledge, she took many courses beyond her degree programs.

Mrs. Sheppard's teaching career started in the small community of Valiant, Oklahoma. She taught there one year before accepting an assignment in the Sherman Independent School District.  At Fred Douglass School in Sherman, Ms. Arterbery (as she was called) began as a sixth grade teacher and simply adored that group. Shortly thereafter, she married Artie L. Sheppard. They moved to Amarillo, Texas where she accepted a position in the Amarillo School District.  From Amarillo, she and Artie moved to Long Island, New York where she taught in the prestigious Half Hollow Hills School District, Dix Hills, New York. She retired from the District in Dix Hills in 1981.  Her teaching career spanned thirty-six years.

She was affiliated with a number of professional organizations.  Past and Present affiliations include:  New York State United Teachers; American Federation of Teachers-AFL-CIO; New York State Teacher's Retirement System; National Education Association; American Association of University Women and American Association of Retired Persons.  She is also a member of the Daughters of Diane Club and a member of the Entre Nous Club.

Mrs. Sheppard was a long-time member of St. John CME Church.  She was affiliated with several auxiliaries of the church, including the Missionary Society, Stewardess Board, and the Board of Christian Education.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Altha and Daisy Arterbery; Brother, Bobby Arterbery; Husband, Artie Sheppard; and Cousin (like a sister), Margaret Moss. She is survived by her daughter, Semoyne Arana-Hubbard; two stepdaughters, Shirley (Randy) Guy and Yolanda Hudson; two grandsons, Luis Antonio Arana (Chantel); Lamar Hubbard (Tabitha); six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and Special Friend, Voncile Fullylove Lowell.

A public visitation will be Friday, March 7th from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Waldo Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Saturday, March 8th at 10 A.M. at Waldo Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dwight Thomas officiating.  Burial will follow at West Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals at Waldo Funeral Home.  You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com.