March 7, 2025, 102, Goldsboro —
Louise Daly Shepard, 102, went to be with her Lord peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a dear friend to so many.
Louise embraced life with joy, finding happiness in the company of her family and friends. She dedicated much of her early years to a career in retail sales, where she was a valued employee of Weil’s, Brody’s, and Proffitt’s. Her warm spirit and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
A woman of deep faith, Louise was the oldest member of St. John Free Will Baptist Church, where she found strength and community. She was also an active member of the Seven Springs Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, always willing to serve others. Louise had a passion for traveling, visiting all but two states, and she found great peace in nature, tending to her yard, watching birds, and admiring the trees she loved so much. Above all, she cherished family gatherings and reunions, treasuring the moments spent with loved ones.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service celebrating Louise’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel, officiated by Rev. Wade Parker and Rev. David Pate. Interment will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Pineview Cemetery, Seven Springs, with Rev. Mary Kay Smith Best officiating.
Louise first married George E. Daly, with whom she lovingly raised three children: George E. Daly, Jr., Julian Clyde Daly, and Linda Daly Powell. After George’s passing, she later married the late Andrew Shepard. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bartemus and Katie Bell Dixon Smith; her sisters, Kathleen S. Barwick and Josephine S. Holland; her brothers, Clarence Smith and Relma “Smitty” Smith; and her great-granddaughter, Crystal Grant.
She is survived by her children: George E. Daly, Jr. and wife Joan, Julian Clyde Daly and wife Mary, and Linda Daly Powell and husband Johnny. She leaves behind four grandchildren: Sherwood Daly and wife Joann, Charlene Grant and husband Terry, Christy Keel and husband Rodney, and Brian Daly and wife Jessica; eleven great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Eugene Smith and William Smith, as well as her stepchildren: Edna Johnson and husband Dean and family, Joyce Daugherty and husband Joe and family, and Debra Rhodes and husband David and family.
Louise’s life was a testament to love, faith, and kindness. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her memory to St. John Free Will Baptist Church, 1926 NC Hwy. 111 South, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
