Betty (Mclean) Wilson Shepard

Betty (McLean) Wilson Shepard passed away on January 24, 2024. Betty was born on July 7, 1924, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Marvel O. Pitts and Donald A. McLean. She grew up in Shawnee and Ardmore, Oklahoma, and graduated from high school when she was 16 years old. Betty moved from Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Bartow, Florida, in 1943, after marrying Randal Wilson, a Bartow native who she met while he was training in the Army Air Corps in Oklahoma. She loved Bartow and lived there for the next 78 years. She was the devoted and fun-loving mother of three children, two stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Betty worked as an official court reporter for the 10th Judicial District of the State of Florida . Her life exemplified her values, love for her family and friends, faith, hard work, community service and dedicated church service. She was an avid reader (a book a day!), a talented painter, and a Grand Master bridge player. Betty had many interests and never met a stranger. Betty and Charlie enjoyed many trips to destinations around the world, including the 1988 Guiness World Record longest trip by train from Paris to Hong Kong. She was a faithful member of her beloved Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where she served as a Vestry member and church treasurer. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank Randal Wilson (1958), Charles David Shepard (2001), and stepdaughter Mary Shepard Yearta (2010). She is survived by her children Randal Wilson, Gerry Wilson, Jan Wilson Johnston; her stepson Charles Shepard; her grandchildren Frank Johnston V, David Johnston, and Laura Johnston Cothern, Cheri Wilson Avila, Ashley Wilson Reich, Julianna Wilson Benfield, Lindsay Wilson, Mary Kate Shepard Deutsch, Laura Shepard Schauble, Jennifer Yearta Miller, David Yearta, Charles Yearta, and Katherine Yearta Haefele, 19 great grandchildren. She was loved by her family and many friends. She will be missed by all, and she will remain forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known her. The family is grateful for those who cared for her and all who have sent condolences. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Bartow, Florida or to a charity of your choice. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. A reception will follow the service at Carleton Hall. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com