Karen Milford Sheppard passed away Friday, November 1st, 2024. She was born May 11, 1956 in Dearborn, the daughter of William and Ruth (Hazle) Milford.

Known to her children and community as an unending wellspring of consideration for the needs and feelings of others, her warmth flowed forth in all that she endeavored, whether it be Per Gradus, Girl Scouts, as a team parent, Sunday School teacher, or the mom who rescued that one poor lunch-pail-swinging boy from the aggressive flock of wild turkeys before elementary school. She was committed and untroubled taking care of others: humming along to Joni Mitchell while tackling Rachel Ray’s 15-ingredient winter soup, gently probing her children with questions while chauffeuring them to activities, caring for her mother in hospice, or nurturing her daughter's twins. And occasionally (often), she even bested her husband, James, at Scrabble.

Karen graduated from Michigan State University and became a fearless pioneer in her field. She was only the second woman hired as a representative by Mobay and BASF in the U.S., and despite the inequities and outright chauvinism she encountered, her joyful spirit left a lasting impact. Her customers remember her with affection and admiration, and although she excelled in her career, she found her true calling in raising her family.

James and Karen were married in 1983, sharing a deep, abiding love that carried them through life’s hardships. Together, they navigated the trials of owning their own business, the loss of a business partner, a Supreme Court case (which they won), and the whirlwind of raising children.

Throughout her life, Karen pursued a path of continuous self-improvement. She explored topics of faith, politics, historical fiction, auto-biographies, and even read the entire Mueller Report. She believed in the power of a good education, and on the weekends encouraged the whole family to participate in NPR’s Sunday puzzle (she won).

Karen embodied hope, with a belief that each new day held the promise of betterment for those willing to seek it. A high school cheerleader and a lifelong encourager, she saw the best in people and helped them see it too. Her optimism was contagious, a ripple downstream for anyone lucky enough to cross through her life.

From one of her favorite novels, Middlesex: “Everyone struggles against despair, but it always wins in the end. It has to. It’s the thing that lets us say goodbye.” Yet perhaps, looking for that silver lining she loved, it is truly love that triumphs—for where there is great despair, there has also been great love.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, James; her beloved children, Jamison and Kristen (Eren); her treasured grandchildren, Emre and Sophia; her cherished siblings, Debbie (Ralph) Moore, Doug Milford, Susie (Mark) Hannis, and Tim (Liza) Milford; and her adored nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Hurst Funeral Home, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 am prior to the service. Rev. Dr. Wallace Mayton III will serve as officiant.  A luncheon will immediately follow in the Hurst Celebration Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Clay Street Center, 913 S Clay St. Greenville, MI 48838.