Maria Shepherd

Maria Elena Shepherd

Maria Shepherd, 20, died of an accidental overdose after years of struggling with mental health issues.

Maria was warm, incredibly loving, and will always be remembered for her disarming smile and kind heart. She loved people, animals, bugs, and was especially fond of cats. She rescued animals, gave food and money to those in need, and carried small bags of essentials in her car to give to the homeless and needy that she might encounter. While many were blessed by her caring actions, seeing the suffering of others around her caused profound pain. She expressed her feelings through the art she created.

Maria was fiercely independent from a young age and was determined to forge her own path in life. Maria loved her family and never lost touch despite her struggles. She ended every call and text with “I love you.” She loved going on outdoor adventures, hiking with her dad and exploring with her brother and friends. One of her greatest adventures was driving cross-country with a friend to visit her best friend Kayla at Fort Lewis, Washington, visiting many places along the way. On family vacations to the beach, she would turn into a mermaid as soon as her feet touched the water. She always looked forward to hours-long daily calls with her older sister. She greatly enjoyed coming home, cooking with her mom, and snuggling up to watch a movie. Whether with friends or family, she always had someone by her side.

Maria was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph, and Rebecca Shepherd, and her Papou she loved so much, Michalakis Ioannou. She is survived by her Yiayia, Loukia Ioannou; parents, Sandy, and Elena Shepherd; sister, Alexis Loukia Shepherd; brother, Ralph Shepherd, and her loving cousins, aunts, and uncles.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 7, 2022, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Rev. Fr. Demetri Kangelaris, Rev. Fr. George Kouzelis and Rev. Fr. Constantine Shepherd officiating.  Burial will follow in Forsyth Memorial Park.  A Trisagion Service will be held at 5:45 PM Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the church with a visitation to follow from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Maria to the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation (jbrf.org), the Forsyth Humane Society, or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.  Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family.