Rebecca (Cauthen) Sheppard

On June 11, 1948, Rebecca Cauthen Sheppard was born to the late Maggie Jane Cauthen and

Issac Cauthen Sr. in Kershaw, South Carolina.

Rebecca attended Northside Elementary School in Kershaw, SC, and Hillside High School in Heath

Springs, SC. She graduated from Hillside High School in 1966, where she was known for her

basketball skills. She then attended Clinton Junior College and earned her Associate of Arts degree

in Early Childhood. Rebecca then continued her education at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC,

where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Rebecca

then moved to Brooklyn, NY, and earned her Master’s degree at Adelphi University in Long Island,

NY.

Rebecca was joined in holy matrimony to Charles Ronald Sheppard from Wadmalaw Island, SC, on

February 14, 1978.

While living in Brooklyn, NY, Rebecca began her teaching career. In 1984, after eight years, the

family moved to Kansas City, MO. Rebecca then started employment with the Kansas City

Missouri School District. She taught 2nd grade for 34 years and retired in May 2006. While

living in Kansas City, she was a faithful member at Metropolitan AME Zion Church, where she

taught children’s Sunday School and sang in the Adult Choir.

After retirement, Rebecca and the family moved closer to home and relocated to Rock Hill, SC.

While living in Rock Hill she became a member of her childhood church Pleasant Grove #2 in

Kershaw, SC. for 5 years and later transferred to White Hill AME Zion Church in York, SC.

Rebecca, served as a deaconess for 13 years. Rebecca was a natural teacher at heart and made

long last relationships through her leadership skills. She also loved to shop, talk to her friends on

the phone, watch MSNBC, cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs, and spend time with her

grandchildren.

On May 4, 2026, Rebecca was called home. She leaves behind to treasure her memory, husband

of 48 years, Charles Ronald Sheppard, daughters, La-Toya Camille Sheppard (Kansas City, MO.)

and Ronette Monique Sheppard (Rock Hill, SC), grandchildren, JaKobe Macon Moore and Danielle

Princess Moore. She also leaves behind sister, Iva Lee Drakeford (Steve Drakeford), brothers

Warren Cauthen and Reginald Cauthen and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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