Dear Aunt Mary

CANTON —  Mary Laten Sheppard, 89, passed away  Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Charles Leyton and Zena Smathers Sheppard.  She was also preceded in death by two infant sisters, Ruth and Inez Sheppard; and five older brothers, Cyril Vaughn, Charles, Calvin and Ralph Sheppard.

She retired from American Enka Corporation.  She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and she adored all the special children who she considered her own through the years.  She loved all her family, especially her nieces and nephews.  Mary will be remembered for her keen sense of humor and devotion to her Christian faith and prayer.

She ...