Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
BirthSep 19, 1935, Randolph County, North Carolina256
DeathJun 22, 2026, Burlington, Alamance County, North Carolina256
BurialAlamance Lutheran Church, 4008 NC Hwy 62, Burlington, Alamance County, North Carolina256
FatherEdd Amos SHEPHERD (1893-1951)
MotherRuth Elizabeth MATKINS (1908-1987)
Obituary Online notes for “Gwen” Gwendolyn SHEPHERD
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Shepherd Stephens
Sep 19, 1935 — Jun 22, 2026
Elon
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Shepherd Stephens, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Alamance Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on September 19, 1935, in Randolph County, NC, to the late Edd Amos Shepherd and Ruth Elizabeth Matkins Shepherd.
Gwen’s presence graced the lives of all who knew her, leaving a legacy of kindness, faithful service, and unwavering love.
Throughout her 90 years, Gwen symbolized the essence of service, compassion, and strength. Much of her life was lived hand in hand with her late husband, Rev. Daniel Walter Stephens, to whom she was joyfully married for over 51 years until his passing in 2007. Together, they formed an inseparable team, Gwen’s steadfast support as a pastor’s wife was felt in every church community they joined, offering warmth and hospitality, always ready to play the piano or teach Sunday school where ever she was needed.
As they moved to new communities for Rev. Stephens’ ministry, Gwen found opportunities to continue her own impactful career, working diligently in hospital Medical Records Departments. Her work was a reflection of her heartfelt care, making a difference behind the scenes for countless patients and colleagues. In every role she undertook—whether in the home, by her husband’s side in ministry, or as a dedicated professional—Gwen served with humbleness and quiet grace.
Gwen attended Berea Christian Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, she found deep fulfillment in nurturing her family, uplifting friends, and bringing comfort to those around her. Gwen loved having her nieces and nephews over to her home for sleep overs when they were growing up. She loved spending time with them and her loving family. Gwen enjoyed traveling, taking bus trips, visiting the mountains, reading, painting, crocheting, and she even sewed; people said she was crafty.
She is survived by her devoted siblings, Franklin “Frank” Shepherd and his wife Gay, Carol S. McGhee and her husband Gerald and Brenda S. Murray; her nieces and nephews that she adored, Leigh Wall, Sherri Isenhour, Sonya Carrell, Douglas McGhee, Deanne Moore, Derek McGhee, Doug Murray, Michael Murray and Dan Murray; and several great nieces and nephews.
Gwen has now been reunited with her beloved parents, Edd and Ruth Shepherd, her loving husband, Rev. Daniel Stephens and her sister, Nanthalyn S. “Nan” Wall that have preceded her in death.
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Gwen will be held at 2:00PM Monday, June 29, 2026 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Jeff Smith and Rev. Tommy McGhee with the burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 12:30PM to 1:45PM prior to the service and at other times the family will be at the sister, Carol McGhee’s residence.
Memorials may be made to Berea Christian Church, 2848 Old NC 87, Elon, NC 27244. You may send condolences and watch the service online at www.lowefuneralhome.com
https://www.lowefuneralhome.com/obituaries/gwendolyn-gwen-stephens 256
Sep 19, 1935 — Jun 22, 2026
Elon
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Shepherd Stephens, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Alamance Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on September 19, 1935, in Randolph County, NC, to the late Edd Amos Shepherd and Ruth Elizabeth Matkins Shepherd.
Gwen’s presence graced the lives of all who knew her, leaving a legacy of kindness, faithful service, and unwavering love.
Throughout her 90 years, Gwen symbolized the essence of service, compassion, and strength. Much of her life was lived hand in hand with her late husband, Rev. Daniel Walter Stephens, to whom she was joyfully married for over 51 years until his passing in 2007. Together, they formed an inseparable team, Gwen’s steadfast support as a pastor’s wife was felt in every church community they joined, offering warmth and hospitality, always ready to play the piano or teach Sunday school where ever she was needed.
As they moved to new communities for Rev. Stephens’ ministry, Gwen found opportunities to continue her own impactful career, working diligently in hospital Medical Records Departments. Her work was a reflection of her heartfelt care, making a difference behind the scenes for countless patients and colleagues. In every role she undertook—whether in the home, by her husband’s side in ministry, or as a dedicated professional—Gwen served with humbleness and quiet grace.
Gwen attended Berea Christian Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, she found deep fulfillment in nurturing her family, uplifting friends, and bringing comfort to those around her. Gwen loved having her nieces and nephews over to her home for sleep overs when they were growing up. She loved spending time with them and her loving family. Gwen enjoyed traveling, taking bus trips, visiting the mountains, reading, painting, crocheting, and she even sewed; people said she was crafty.
She is survived by her devoted siblings, Franklin “Frank” Shepherd and his wife Gay, Carol S. McGhee and her husband Gerald and Brenda S. Murray; her nieces and nephews that she adored, Leigh Wall, Sherri Isenhour, Sonya Carrell, Douglas McGhee, Deanne Moore, Derek McGhee, Doug Murray, Michael Murray and Dan Murray; and several great nieces and nephews.
Gwen has now been reunited with her beloved parents, Edd and Ruth Shepherd, her loving husband, Rev. Daniel Stephens and her sister, Nanthalyn S. “Nan” Wall that have preceded her in death.
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Gwen will be held at 2:00PM Monday, June 29, 2026 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Jeff Smith and Rev. Tommy McGhee with the burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 12:30PM to 1:45PM prior to the service and at other times the family will be at the sister, Carol McGhee’s residence.
Memorials may be made to Berea Christian Church, 2848 Old NC 87, Elon, NC 27244. You may send condolences and watch the service online at www.lowefuneralhome.com
https://www.lowefuneralhome.com/obituaries/gwendolyn-gwen-stephens 256