In Loving Memory of
Mary Lou Shepherd Wilson
Mary Lou Shepherd Wilson, age 97, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Mary lived a long and meaningful life, touching countless hearts with her kindness, generosity, and beautiful spirit. A devoted mother and grandmother, she faced life’s challenges with grace, fortitude, and forgiveness, always steadfast in her faith in Christ. She was quick to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or extend grace to others. She had a gift for making others feel valued and loved.
Born on May 26, 1929, in Pune, India, to missionary parents Paul Ringdahl and Gladys Jacobson, Mary Lou moved to the United States at the age of three. Mary graduated from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1947, earning the High School Commercial Studies Medal. In 1949, at the age of 20, Mary married Robert Neal Shepherd after a whirlwind three-month courtship, and they had three beautiful children.
In 1986, she graduated with High Honors from St. Petersburg Junior College with an Associate of Science degree in Interior Design. She was also recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges for her outstanding academic achievements. Mary enjoyed a successful career as a decorator for Ethan Allen, Custom Decor, and JCPenney Custom Decorating, where she received numerous awards and recognition. She also participated in the Designers Showcase in St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Interior Design Association, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Mary and Robert shared 50 years together before he passed away in 2000. In 2004, she remarried Phillip Wilson and they shared four years together before his passing. In her later years, Mary found pleasure in her books, her crochet projects, and time spent with her many friends and family members. She lovingly crocheted lap blankets and donated them to area churches, hospitals, and hospice centers, sharing warmth and comfort with others through her thoughtful handiwork.
Her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, was the foundation of her life. She began each morning with her Bible, a practice she continued even in her final days.
She is survived by her children, Barbara Dix (Dennis), Steven Shepherd (Merry Lynn) and Katherine Brown (Tad); her stepchildren, Steve Wilson (Jackie) and Bill Wilson Merlene); her nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; her brother, Don Ringdahl (Ann).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Gladys Ringdahl; her first husband, Robert Shepherd; her second husband, Phillip Wilson; her brother, Paul Ringdahl; and her grandson, Forrest Dix. She will be deeply missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched throughout her long and meaningful life.
Memorial Service
A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life and faith in Christ, with a reception to follow, will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall at The Hampton at Clearwater, 1099 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, FL 33759.
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to support the missionary work of Mary’s grandchildren, Ben and Kara Holman, through Ripe For Harvest World Outreach. This is a meaningful way to honor Mary’s enduring faith in Jesus Christ and her lifelong love for others.
Online gifts:
https://ripeforharvest.org/holman-ben-and-kara-20518/
Gifts by mail:
Ripe For Harvest World Outreach
P.O. Box 62009
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2009
Please make checks payable to Ripe For Harvest World Outreach and write “Ben/Kara Holman #20518” in the memo line.
