Life Reflections

Prince James Shepperd was born on June 22, 1962 in St. Louis County, Missouri. He was the sixth child of seven and the second son born to Julia J. and Richard R. Shepperd, Sr.
Prince was baptized and confirmed at an early age at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kirkwood, Missouri, where he also began his primary education at the parochial school. Prince attended Turner Elementary, Kirkwood Middle School, Kirkwood High School and later earned his G.E.D.
Prince volunteered to serve in the United States Army in 1980. He was a dedicated and dependable worker in the construction trade. Prince was a hard worker, doing most types of repair—roofing, drywall, laying asphalt and concrete—but his specialty was fixing cars.
As a child, he enjoyed building go-carts and racing them in competitive soap box derbies. This led to a powerful desire to become an automobile mechanic. Prince delighted in repairing vehicles of friends and family. He was a self-taught auto mechanic.
Many know Prince by the nickname Newdy. He was a jokester and self-proclaimed comedian.
Prince transitioned from this life on July 12, 2018. He leaves two daughters, Tenisha and Kaleese; three grandchildren, Talyiah, Georgio and Jamia; five sisters, Richcella, Julia, Maria, Madeline and Charlene; many nieces and nephews; and a multitude of relatives and friends. His parents and only brother, Rick J. Lavonté (Richard, Jr.), precede him.

Memorial Service for Prince James Shepperd
The Family of Prince Shepperd thanks you for your thoughts, prayers and other expressions of condolence. Join us in a celebration of his life.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Days Inn Suites 314-822-3000
3660 South Lindbergh Boulevard
Sunset Hills, Missouri 63127
4:30-5:30 p.m. Memorial Service
5:30-6:30 p.m. Repast
All food donors, please arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Monetary donations appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Prince James Shepperd
(1962 – 2018)

For the caterpillar
it was the end,
but for the flutterby
it was about to begin.

My brother
was named for royalty
struggling
for honor and loyalty.

Richard was King.
He was Prince
searching for identity
ever since.

Shall he be a man
or a black sheep
never showing them
that he weeps?

Living life with no fear,
no care?
Hiding his heart?
Or does he dare?

Dare to be
the supportive lover
of his daughters’
mothers?

Cooperative brother?
Reformed prodigal son?
Employee who won’t quit
until the work is done?

Or is he a caterpillar,
vulnerable and green
trying to ignore
all the torment he’s seen.

Thinking he’s doing right
on a road labelled “Wrong.”
He’s just a caterpillar
inching along.

Who are we to judge
if it is too soon
for a caterpillar
to create a cocoon?

Prince the physical
had to die,
hence his Source
could butterfly.

© 2018 E. Madeline Shepperd Morgan All rights reserved.
July 12, 2018