Dean Bradwell Sheppard passed away peacefully in his home on May 29th. He had just celebrated his 77th birthday on May 24th. 

He was born and raised in rural North Carolina. Joining the US Navy brought Dean to Virginia Beach, which he would call home for the rest of his life. 

Upon graduating from Old Dominion University, Dean worked for Virginia Beach Social Services for over 30 years. He received his Masters Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University in 2002, and upon retirement from the City of Virginia Beach, Dean taught as professor of Social Work at Saint Leo University. 

Dean loved playing golf with Kathryn and his friends at various courses in Virginia Beach. He also enjoyed doing yardwork, taking road trips to visit family, and attending worship services at Kings Grant Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Kathyrn Baxter Sheppard, sister, Patricia Merritt of Walkertown, NC, daughter Meredith (Noah) Perabo of Ocean, N.J., step-daughter Mary Baxter (Aaron) Evans of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., step-daughter Elizabeth Baxter Briggs of Winston-Salem, N.C., 3 grandchildren; Arianna Evans, Charlotte Perabo, and Colette Perabo.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Ersel and Rev. Lester Sheppard, his wife, Cheryl Spencer Sheppard, and his son, Dean Bradwell Sheppard Jr. 

A Celebration of Life service will take place at 4pm on Saturday, June 5th at Kings Grant Presbyterian Church, located at 745 Little Neck Road in Virginia Beach.  Memorial donations can be made to Kings Grant Presbyterian Church. 

Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been so supportive over the last few months.  Thank you to Heartland Hospice, particularly to Christina and Destiny, for their guidance and support.