Carolyn Sue Shepherd, 83, was born in Duck Creek (Puxico), Missouri to Maggie Potter and Woodrow Johnson. She was raised on a farm by her loving grandparents, John and Gertrude Potter, and always adhered to their philosophy of "early to bed, early to rise." Throughout her life, she expressed so much appreciation for having grown up on a farm and in their loving care. Sue graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1956. Due to her curiosity, compassion, and high grades, their family physician encouraged her to pursue a career in nursing. She earned a scholarship to go to the University of Missouri; however, since her family could not afford to pay for room and board, she attended St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing instead, graduating in 1958. In 1959, she married Ervin H. Barrett II, and in 1960 they had a daughter, followed by a son in 1961. In 1973, Sue and Ervin divorced, and she later married Daniel Shepherd. Dan and Sue were married for 47 years and enjoyed a wonderful life together. Much of her life was spent carrying for others because this was her lifes ambition. She had truly found her niche in life and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. A caring, nurturing person at heart, Sue devoted over half a century to her profession, working in a variety of healthcare facilities that greatly benefited from her expertise in critical care and mental health. She worked at Kaiser Hospital in Hawaii and then several hospitals in the Oklahoma City area, including Presbyterian/OU Medical Center, St. Anthonys, Baptist, and Deaconess hospitals, before retiring from the Veterans Administration Hospital. Although she officially retired from the nursing profession after 52 years of service, albeit once a nurse, always a nurse. Sue was an eternal optimist, always looked for the best in everyone and everything. Some of Sues passions involved gardening, animals, real estate, and reading the comic section of the newspaper. Sue had a gift for playing music by ear; she loved to play the piano and enjoyed the challenge of playing a new tune by request. She enjoyed home-cooked meals served with a big glass of milk. Sue was often noted as saying "Ive had a great life, and it really doesnt get any better than this." The last few years of her life, Sue battled with dementia. The last few months of her life she enjoyed her residence at St. Katharines Drexel Retirement Center, where she received exceptionally loving care and enjoyed playing the piano for her fellow residents. Sue passed away suddenly after an unexpected illness. Sue often said, "I have had a charmed life with great opportunities and so many different people interested in my welfare." She attributed much of the success in her life to divine intervention. Blessed with always having a pleasant disposition and a contagious smile, Sue will be greatly missed. Sue was preceded in death by her son, Ervin Barrett III and her husband, Daniel Shepherd. Surviving family members include her daughter, Lisa Shaw (OKC); grandson, Blaine Shaw with wife Cindy and great granddaughter, Amber (OKC); grandson, Samuel Shaw (OKC) and grandson, Christopher Barrett (OK); sisters-in-law, Judith Clopp (Yukon OK) and Laura Shepherd-Madsen (Mustang OK). Services will be held at Mercer-Adams with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery. The service will be webcast and will be available to watch live on this obituary page. . Viewing Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Friday, October 22, 2021 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Funeral Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Saturday, October 23, 2021 2:00 PM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008