Nena Belle (Barr) Shepherd

Nena Belle Barr Shepherd (93) passed away peacefully on August 29th 2017.  She lived a long life filled with challenge and success, travel and culture, as well as much love and joy.

Nena was born June 23, 1924 in West Jefferson NC, daughter of Basil Duke Barr and Mabel Phillips.  A graduate of the University of NC at Greensboro, Nena had a career as a graphic artist with several government agencies in Washington DC.  Her interest in the art world took her to Paris, which resulted in a position with post war Headquarters of US European Command in France.

Subsequently in Geneva and continuing for 30 years, Nena developed a keen expertise in the art of Japanese flower arranging, attaining a high level of mastery in Sogetsu Ikebana.

Following her 25 years living abroad, Nena and her husband “Bobby” returned to the USA where they retired to St Petersburg FL.  There the Shepherds were well known at ASPEC, the retired professionals group of Eckerd College.   Nena was also involved with the St Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts.

The world over, Nena's friends fondly remember her elegance, fun-loving ways and generous spirit.

Nena was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Robert Earl Shepherd (1927-2012).  She is survived by her musician daughter Laura Margaret Ruth Shepherd formerly of Fredericksburg VA, currently living in St Petersburg FL; as well as her son, restaurateur businessman Christopher Barr Shepherd, of Geneva Switzerland and his children Savannah, Vanessa, and Jessica-Lou.

Services will be held on Sunday, September 24th at 11:30 AM at the West Jefferson Cemetery in West Jefferson, North Carolina.

To honor the memory of Nena Shepherd, her family requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Eckerd College International Relations and Global Affairs Program. Gifts can be made online at www.eckerd.edu/giving.

Please note " Bob Shepherd Memorial Fund – In memory of Nena Shepherd” when making your gift.