Rosemary Blackwell Sheppard passed away in Cuero on July 26, 2012 after a brief illness. Descended from a pioneer DeWitt County family, she was born in Cuero on October 20, 1926 the only child of Finley D. (Dick) Blackwell and Mary Margaret (Jane) Blackwell. She spent her early years in the Texas Panhandle and in the Concrete community in a home lacking both running water and electricity.

After graduating from Cuero High School in the war year of 1944, she entered Mary Hardin Baylor College (now university) in Belton, Texas. She graduated college in 1948 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Mrs. Sheppard then returned to Cuero and taught in the public schools until retirement in 1985.

She married her husband, Joseph L. Sheppard, II on St. Valentine's Day 1953 in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Cuero. The marriage of fifty four years terminated upon Mr. Sheppard's death in 2007.

After retirement from teaching, she began a new phase of her life and actively managed her farm and ranch properties until her death. She loved her land, her cattle and the wild creatures that existed on her property. She was thrilled when her farm was recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture for one hundred fifty years of ownership by a single family in 2003.

She played the organ and piano and was often called upon to perform for weddings and funerals. She served as organist for the First Baptist Church of Cuero for many years. She had a deep interest in historical and patriotic organizations and was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the DeWitt County Historical Commission. She served as co-chairperson of the History of DeWitt County Project Committee which published an eight hundred page volume entitled DeWitt County History in 1991. She was deeply honored to receive the Cuero High School Distinguished Service Award in 1997 for "many years of dedicated service to the community of Cuero". Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard also enjoyed an active social life with their many friends and relations.

She is survived by a daughter, Mary Margaret Sheppard of Cuero; a son Joseph L. Sheppard, III and wife Faye, and grandson Joseph L. Sheppard, IV all of Burleson.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Freund Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Cuero with Dr. Glenn Robertson presiding and former Pastor Robert Hairston assisting. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Robert Aronstein, Jay Bramlette, John Denson, Henry Sheppard, Michael Sheppard and M. Clifton Weber, III.

Honorary pallbearers include Dr. John C. Davis, William C. Foster, Dr. Earl Mangin, Darryl Scott, E.T. Summers, Jr, E.T. (Toby) Summers III, and John Summers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pet Adoptions of Cuero or donor's choice.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.