Patricia Shepherd

As beautiful as a rose to see, was her life she lived so gracefully. She made things precious by her touch; her selfless love lives on in each of us. The petals of her life fell one by one; each a gift of her heart till there were none. Yet her radiance blooms once again in fields of glory with no end. Patricia Key Shepherd was born on July 23, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska to her parents, Melvin Quincy Key and Eugenia Johnson. She was the eldest of five children born to this union. She was raised surrounded by the love of her siblings, Machelle, Melvin, Edith and Brian. When Patricia was six years old, the family relocated to Des Moines, Iowa. It was there, that Patricia received her formal education by attending Crocker Elementary, Washington Irving Junior High School and North High School. She furthered her education by completing courses in the medical field. Patricia was initially employed by Northwest Hospital in Des Moines. She was later employed by the East Des Moines School District as a Teachers Aid at Logan Elementary School. When she relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1976, she furthered her education by becoming a Certified Ward Clerk and remained in that position for the next twenty five years. She worked as a Ward Coordinator, a Patient Service Coordinator and an Administrative Assistant in the Surgery Transplant Ward at the University of Colorado Medical Center. She retired honorably and early due to health complications. In the eyes of many family members and friends, Patricia epitomized a strong woman. She had been a dialysis patient for over twenty five years. Her many peers called her a "superwoman" for enduring her illness for so long. It is unheard of for any patient in this day in time to be such a survivor. Patricia was definitely her family's hero. He spirit never wavered nor did she ever complain during her extended period of illness. Along with her many interests, Patricia was a member of the Iowa-Colorado Club. She found much joy and happiness participating as an active member and connecting with many of her longtime friends and attending the annual reunions. In recent years, her health would not allow her to take an active role in many of the club functions but her heart and mind was always there. Some of Patricia's other hobbies included traveling, doll collecting, cooking, listening to old school music, socializing and spending quality time with family and friends. She also loved going to the "Hills" to try and "break the bank" of all their money in both Black Hawk and Central City. Patricia was a fun loving woman who loved and was loved by her grandchildren and great grandchild. Her love was unwavering and unconditional. They all shared many happy and precious moments together. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful woman. To know Patricia was to love her. She is preceded in death by her mother, Eugenia Griffith; her father, Melvin Key; a sister, Machelle Buckner; and a brother, Bryan Key. Patricia Key Shepherd departed this life on July 3, 2014, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her son, Curtis A. "Malik" Fox of Denver; her daughter, Benita J. Fox of San Jose, California; her devoted companion, Wesley M. Bettis of Denver; one brother, Melvin Q. Key; one sister, Edith R. Fogarty; her grandchildren, Cenae Fox, Stephon Wolf, Amir Ameen, Kamillah Ameen; one great grandson, Derrick Evans, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins other relatives and many friends. She will be missed by all and thought of often as we remember the light she brought to everyone who knew her.

Visitation: 7/9/2014 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 7/10/2014 at 1:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: Private Cremation
Family Gathering: 7/10/2014 - Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 6601 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO