Mary Catherine (Cathy) Sheppard Stewart died in her sleep on September 10. She was age 39 and holding.

Born on July 10, 1934, to the late Garrie and Mary Donoho Sheppard, she was delivered by her grandfather in the family home on Cherry Street

She later moved back to Cherry Street in 1969 with her then-husband the late Jerry T. Stewart and her two children, Leighann and Thomas. She and Jerry married in 1957. Though they later divorced, they remained close until he died in 2001.

Cathy graduated from Sherman High School and Grayson County College and attended classes at Austin College. She began working at Austin College
in 1972, where she was the long-time administrative assistant for the math and science department. Her hard work ensured both her children received a college education.

She had a devout faith as a member of the Parkview Church of Christ. After she retired, she volunteered at the church when she wasn’t tending to her yard or hosting grandchildren

To her five grandchildren Emileigh, Trent, Haleigh, Zachary, and Vivian and her two great-grandchildren Clark and Luke she was known as Grams. She
delighted in her grandchildren not by spoiling but by being active, interested, and involved in their lives

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jean and brother Don. Having been a caregiver to her parents late in their lives and her older brother, she lived up to the Shepherd namesake

She is survived by her children, her son-in-law “big” Jack, who she loved as her own, grandchildren,great-children, numerous nieces and nephews, and
sister-in-law Rita Stewart Arrington. Cindy Singleton is a very special niece who helped care for Cathy as she struggled with dementia. The family is also grateful to the caregivers of Timber Rock House for putting a smile back on Cathy’s face in the last few months

Cathy worked hard. She was naturally funny usually without intending to be. She was thrifty. She was a woman of faith and service. Her family and friends will miss her

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 2, at 2 p.m. at Parkview Church of Christ in Sherman, Texas. Instead of flowers, the family encourages donations in her memory to Austin College or Timber Rock House in Midlothian, Texas.