Obituary

Lynn Mary Shepley, née Wilkins, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri formerly of Onset, MA, passed away on July 4th, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on October 27th, 1949, in Coventry, England, Lynn lived a life marked by generosity, warmth, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Lynn married James Shepley in Coventry in 1971, and together they built a life that would eventually bring them across the Atlantic. Though she made America her home, Lynn remained proudly English throughout her life, holding her family in England close to her heart despite the distance and years between them. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland in 1998, a testament to her determination and intellectual curiosity.

She worked for the United States government as a Human Resources Specialist before retiring after 25 years of faithful service. She was also a devoted military spouse for 20 years to her husband James until his retirement from the United States Air Force in 1988.

Those who knew Lynn knew someone truly unique, one of a kind in every sense. In the 60’s she was a dancer with her best friend Sheila Hockley and they toured Europe with many famous bands of the 60’s. She was remarkably generous and possessed a sharp, wonderful sense of humor that could light up any room. Her stories she told or that her family told about her could make even the most serious person laugh out loud. Her passions reflected the fullness of her character. She adored her grandchildren above all else, tended lovingly to her gardens, loved 60’s music, and cherished all things British.  She treasured her lifelong friendships deeply, and her love for her family, both near and far, was boundless.

Her proudest achievements were her children and grandchildren, whom she considered her greatest legacy. Lynn was a former member of Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford.

May she now find peace and rest in God’s eternal care.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Shepley; her parents, Joseph and Joan Wilkins; her brother Martyn Wilkins; and her brother Derek Mowe.

She is survived by her daughter, Redoyka Michelle Shepley; her son, Aaron James Shepley and his wife Stacie; her sister, Betty Shuttleworth; and her cherished grandchildren Kayleigh Ann Rasberry and husband Josh, Brady Andrew Meighan, James Preston Shepley, and Evelyn Charlotte Shepley. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends both in the United States and United Kingdom whom she loved deeply.

In keeping with Lynn’s wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes buried alongside her late husband James at the Massachusetts National Cemetery. A service will be held on July 24th, 2026, at 10:15 AM at the cemetery. A private gathering to celebrate her life will follow. A future service in the United Kingdom will follow at a later date.

“Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”

Until we meet again, Nana.