Obituaries

Nelson Shepard (49) was born on February 3, 1972 to Mary Ann Carter and the late Eddie “Buskeet” Fraction, Sr. in Helena, Arkansas.  He was raised by his favorite great grandparents; the late Nelson and Alberta Carter.  At an early age, Nelson confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend P.L. Perkins.  As a youth, he sang in the choir.  He had many fond memories of Youth Choir Day and the events that followed.  He continued his walk with Christ.

After graduating high school, he would joined the United States Army where he serviced in “The Gulf War” which was a war waged by coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States against Iraq. After a hand injury, Nelson would return home to recovery on a honorable discharged.

In the fall of 1994, Nelson met the love of his life “Bip” aka Hattie Stewart of Mellwood, Arkansas. They were married for 21 years.  To this union, 6 children were born and one miscarriage.  Nelson enjoyed being a husband, father, and man of God.  He was an exceptional provider and he loved taking his family on trips to see the world.  He was a huge fan of any sports.  However, his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys…win, lose or draw, he loved this team…

He is proceeded in death by his father; Eddie Fraction, Sr., mother-in-law; Lillie Stewart, father-in-law;  Junior Stewart, nine uncles; Curley Fractions, Troy Lee Stewart, Peter Williams, Robert Shears, Joe Smith, Jr., June Smith, Robert Smith, Larry “L” Smith, Willie Lee Smith, four aunts; Minnie Lee Young, Freddie Fraction-Woody, Martha Carter Anderson, Annie Mae Smith, one granddaughter; Majesty Luna Holliman (4/1/2018).

On September 10, 2021, Nelson departed this life at Memphis Veteran Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beautiful wife of 21 years; Hattie Shepard of Memphis TN,  six daughters; Yasmine (Eric) Raven Symone Woods, Lillie Mae Stewart, Rayjean Shepard, Olivia Shepard all of Memphis TN, Latongila Shepard of Helena-West Helena AR, Dominique Winston of Jonesboro AR, his mother; Mary Ann Watson of Helena-West Helena AR,  seven sisters; Lakeitha Carter of Memphis TN, Queen Watson of Jonesboro AR, Anica Watson of Ruston LA, Kayla Fraction of Memphis TN, Chiqueena Thompson of Raleigh NC, Nicole Billingsly of Jackson MS, two brothers; Eddie (Katrice) Fractions, Jr. of Tuscaloosa AL, Jordan Watson of Helena-West Helena AR, four sisters-in-law; Patricia Stewart of Memphis TN, Minister Stephanie A. Dillard of Jacksonville FL, Martha Stewart of Dewitt AR, Mary Jones (Deron) of Jackson TN, Elizabeth Stewart of West Helena AR, one brother-in-law; Timothy Stewart of West Helena AR, eight uncles; Otis (June) West of Yakima WA, Curtis Stewart of Michigan, Ellis Paine of St. Louis MO, John D. “JD” (Leeshell)  Smith, Sr. of Elaine AR, Jimmy Smith of Elaine AR, Lloyd (San Jose) Fractions, Jr. of West Memphis TN, Clarence “Ray” Allen, Sammie (Stacy) Arnett both of Helena-West Helena AR, five aunts; Essie Saffore of St. Louis MO, Della Dew of Chicago IL, Evangelist Kathleen (Fletcher) Jones of Helena AR, Delores Shears, Beverly Smith both of Crumrod AR, along with nine grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins as well as a friends.