Gayle Bass Shepherd, 72, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Saturday, July 11, 2020.

Gayle was born in Ennis, Texas on November 18, 1947 to Randall Lee and Mary Myn (Brackin) Jones.  Gayle grew up in Ferris and graduated from Ferris High School.  She went on to the University of North Texas to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Therapy and a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology.  On February 24, 1973 Gayle married David W. Bass who passed away early in life. Several years later she married Charles Shepherd.

Gayle worked for the Sherman ISD, Ennis ISD and the Mesquite ISD for over thirty-five years touching the lives of many a young person with her love and attention through education.  Gayle was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches, Garden Club, Susan G. Koman Race for Life and Beta Sigma Phi.  Gayle enjoyed flower gardening, travel and fishing.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Shepherd; brother, David M. Jones; sister, Nancy Spain; two nieces; three nephews; six great-nieces; four great-nephews and a host of extended family, friends and former students.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, David W. Bass; brother, Randall B. Jones; nephew Randall P. Jones and niece, Angela G. Spain.

Viewing will be held on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Bristol with Dr. John Blewitt officiating.  Interment will follow in the Bristol Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

The family requests masks to be worn at the church service and social distancing to be observed at the graveside.

www.jekeevermortuary.com