Katherine Maria Thurston Sheppard, 65 residing in Daleville, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday January 22, 2016 after a long and incredibly brave battle with cancer.

She was born February 25, 1950 in Alleghany County to Arthur Lee Thurston and Dorothea Melissa Persinger Thurston.

Katherine was the youngest of eight and was definitely the baby of the family. She had many tough journeys to face in her short life, but accomplished so much.

She graduated from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College with a nursing degree and followed a passion she never knew she had. Although she practiced in many different fields, home health was her favorite.

If you would have asked her she would have said her biggest accomplishment was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She doted on them every chance she could get.

She is survived by her son, Michael Lee Sheppard and wife, Pamela Shaw Sheppard of Buchanan, VA; her daughter, Michelle Sheppard Johnson and husband, Reid W. Johnson, III of Fincastle, VA; grandchildren, Christopher Michael Sheppard and his wife, Samantha Sheppard, Justin Lee Sheppard, Carmen Mary Sheppard, Ethan Reid Johnson, Savanna Marie Johnson and Kaylee Jade Johnson. Great grandchildren, Maddilynn Renea Sheppard and Nella May Sheppard. Three brothers, James Reuben Thurston and wife, Barbara Ann Thurston of Vinton VA, Paul Thurston and wife, Lois Thurston of Eagle Rock, VA and Randall Louis of Roanoke, VA along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Lee Thurston and mother, Dorothea Melissa Persinger Thurston; her brothers: Arthur Lee Thurston Jr "Buck", Joseph Davis Thurston; her sisters: Ellen Louise Thurston Byer, Atley Gray Thurston Broughman; her nephews: Paul Andrew Thurston Jr, Melvin Lee Broughman; her niece, Susan Virginia Broughman Yopp "SueSue".

The service will be held on Wednesday January 27, 2016 at Loving Funeral Home in Covington. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until time of the service at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Alleghany Memorial Park.

Katherine was a God-loving woman that gave her children unconditional love. She taught them what the love of Christ looks like.

Momma, we love you so very much and a hole is left in our hearts until the day we meet again in heaven. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for taking excellent care of Katherine.