Charles Sheppard

Charles Sheppard "Shep" Miers

Sep 7, 1953 - Nov 5th, 2020
  • Birth Date: Sep 7, 1953
  • Death Date: Nov 5, 2020
  • Funeral Date: Nov 13, 2020, 1:00 pm
  • Location:
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Biography: Charles Sheppard Miers, known as Shep, was born in Magnolia, Arkansas to Maxine Goodwin Miers and Carter Conway Miers, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Kaye Phillips Miers, and her daughter Olivia Lea Easterling, and his sons Collier Stephen Miers (Catherine) and John Carter Miers (Savannah), and his beloved grandson Carter Scott Miers. He is also survived by the mother of his sons Jane Forsyth Miers and her daughter Elizabeth Grace Scott.

As an only child, he moved with his family 16 times before returning to graduate from Magnolia High School in 1971. He graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a double major in History and Art. He attended the University of Dallas graduating with an MFA in sculpture. Following graduation, he became the youngest Dean of Students. He loved to say Little Rock is the farthest north he lived.  

He worked in wood and laminated wood, painstakingly molding, cutting, melding, smoothing and working with a dedication and love that few possessed. His work in pencil and ink were flawless and his steady hand assured perfection. His work can be found worldwide, in homes and corporate offices, the St. Mark’s pipe organ, and the portable baptismal font at the Cathedral. His art was important to him, and so were the people. He mentored hundreds of students while teaching Advanced Wordworking at the Arkansas Arts Center for over 30 years.

Shep was a long-time Presbyterian and, formerly, an active member at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. Six years ago, he felt profoundly pulled to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Little Rock. Over the years, his faith continued to deepen drawing him into leadership of the Centurion Guild, a Care Team, and as a Co-Sunday School teacher. He had also begun his second year of Education for Ministry, which is a four-year program through Sewanee. 

While at Trinity Cathedral, he learned more about the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, a community of Episcopal monks in Boston, MA. This led Shep to pursue a call as a member of the society. He was proud to sign the service registry at the Cathedral: Shep Meirs, Fellow of St. John. This was an outward sign of his deep call to follow Christ at all times and in all places.  

A private family service celebrating Shep's life will be at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Loved ones will be able to share in the celebration via live stream Friday, November 13, 2020 at 1:00 pm. Click here to join the livestream:https://youtu.be/jW4bcPp9xC8:. He will be interred in the Treadway Garden at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The family requests with gratitude that donations in Shep's honor be made to: The Society of Saint John the Evangelist (http://www.ssje.org/donate) or Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (http://www.trinitylittlerock.org).

Condolences(30)
David Smith
#30
Jan 8th, 2021 10:14 am
I met Shep at Trinity Presbyterian Church. We were in the midst of building a new church home on Rawling Rd. Shep offered his services to build the pulpit, lectern, table, Cross and more. His creations were nothing short of works of art and still in use today. He was a very kind and compassionate man and will be missed by many.
John Vancura
#29
Dec 15th, 2020 3:56 pm
Kaye,
I just heard about Shep today. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Shep was a friend and neighbor on Lewis St for many years. We have had many fun times together. We helped each other on different projects, and he taught me some woodworking skills as well. He will be missed!
Love John
Celia Storey
#28
Nov 22nd, 2020 12:51 pm
Shep lived in O’Connell dorm for a year while I was there — or if he wasn’t actually a resident he was in our dorm so often that I took him for one. He was quiet and observant. I was loud and self-important. He gave me some challenging advice on my 21st birthday that made a deep impression. Maybe 20 years later, the first time I realized he was part of the Museum School, my sanctuary, I sneaked out the back to avoid him! But later I did say hello and from then on was glad to see him there. A good mind, a smart artist. I am sorry for your pain and I wish you peace.
Brian Lang
#27
Nov 18th, 2020 8:08 pm
Dear Kaye and family -- you are in my thoughts and prayers. Shep was a truly wonderful person and a great supporter of the Arkansas Arts Center. I was privileged to have known and worked with him.
Happy Terry Paulson
#26
Nov 17th, 2020 1:36 pm
God bless.
Margaret Srygley
#25
Nov 16th, 2020 3:36 pm
Kaye,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as I pray for peace and comfort for you. ~ Margaret
Anncha Briggs
#24
Nov 15th, 2020 3:16 pm
Kaye, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sigrun Simons-Rank
#23
Nov 14th, 2020 10:24 am
Dear Kaye and family,
I am so sorry to hear that Shep has passed. We shared happy times at the AAC, and we had many good laughs.
Shep will be missed, but we know he is now home, safe and happy.
Theresa and Long Vo
#22
Nov 14th, 2020 6:23 am
Shep was a dear friend to Long and me when at U of Dallas. He always had a smile on his face and a wicked sense of humor. I always admired his beautiful wood sculptures and rocking chairs. He lived his life well. May God bring you comfort in your loss.
Judy Holler
#21
Nov 13th, 2020 7:17 pm
I learned so much from Shep at EfM. He was a very holy man and I have been blessed to have known him. Sending prayers to Kaye and the family. Rest In Peace, dear Shep.
Carol Bulloch
#20
Nov 13th, 2020 7:14 pm
Kaye,
I was so sorry to hear of Sheps death. I enjoyed the many meals and adventures you posted. What wonderful memories! Would have loved to know Shep.
You and your family are in my prayers. God bless and keep you.
Christine "Elaine" DeNucci
#19
Nov 13th, 2020 4:25 pm
Dearest Kaye,
I still am in disbelief over Shep's passing. Your love for one another was a beautiful sight to see, and his kindness cannot be matched. I am so very sorry for the loss of your soulmate. My prayers and love go to you now and always.
Win Bruhl
#18
Nov 13th, 2020 3:37 pm
I am so sorry that Shep left this place as such a young man and my condolences are with you, Kaye and family. Shep was instrumental as a technical professional in helping to establish the furniture design program at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. His skills as a craftsman were remarkable. He made an indelible mark upon student wood craftsmen. He will be missed.
JULIE GILL
#17
Nov 13th, 2020 2:09 pm
I never met Shep in person but heard all about you through Kaye. I'm so sorry for the sudden passing but he just had to get to heaven sooner huh? I will pray for his family and friends. My condolence is with you all.

Ken McRae
#16
Nov 13th, 2020 1:09 pm
SHEP WAS A MEMBER OF THE TRINITY MEN'S BREAFAST GROUP AND WAS ALWAYS KIND, A SOURCE OF WISDOM AND A GENTLEMAN . WE WILL MISS HIM GREATLY. BLESS HIS SOUL AND PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY.
Susu
#15
Nov 13th, 2020 12:11 pm
Kaye, I will be celebrating Shep with you and the family via live-stream. I am grateful for the pilgrimages we’ve made side by side, and Shep’s gentle spiritual presence. Love and peace my friend
Ken McRae
#14
Nov 13th, 2020 10:17 am
Shep was a member of the Trinity Men’s Breakfast Group and was always kind, a source of wisdom and a gentleman. He will be missed greatly. Bless his soul and prayers for his Family .
Sherra Price
#13
Nov 13th, 2020 10:13 am
So very sorry for your loss. That man knew how to cook! I'm glad I got to meet him at one of the happiest times of your lives! Prayers and love.
Sandra Mock
#12
Nov 12th, 2020 9:46 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know he was your soulmate. You will see him again in the Eternities. Until then he will be there to watch over you.
Seán Charles Martin
#11
Nov 12th, 2020 6:22 pm
Shep was a graduate student in art when I was studying towards ordination in the Catholic Church. When I needed a break from theological studies, I would wander over to the art department to watch Shep work on his delicately balanced laminated wood sculptures. I enjoyed his company, of course, but his art taught me that one could live a balanced life only when one was tightly bound to one’s fellows. Thank you, Shep. Your art and your friendship was an important factor in my formation as a priest and as a theologian.
Br. Jonathan Maury, SSJE
#10
Nov 12th, 2020 2:19 pm
Dear Kaye,
We brothers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist are saddened to hear of Shep's passing. May he rest in Christ's peace and enter into resurrection glory!
We pray for your consolation and peace. May you find courage and hope for the days ahead as you grieve your beloved life partner. Shep, you and your loved ones are being held in our prayers.
Yours in the love of Christ,
Jonathan, SSJE
Jo Ann McQuade
#9
Nov 10th, 2020 7:22 am
So sad to read about Shep's passing. He was a joy to be around and loved everyone.
Welcome to eternal love and peace.
Susan H Betts
#8
Nov 7th, 2020 12:03 pm
Mark and I are saddened to hear of Shep's passing. The love exhibited between the two you made everyone around you happy. You are in my prayers and on my heart. We are always available for you - even in quarantine. Many hugs and much love. Susan and Mark
Bert Parker
#7
Nov 7th, 2020 9:09 am
Shocked and saddened to hear about Shep’s passing. Our Trinity Men’s Breakfast Club will miss him and will include him in our prayers this month. Go in Peace good friend!
Robin Reynolds
#6
Nov 6th, 2020 7:18 pm
Kaye, I’m so sorry for your loss. I be so many memories of our beach trip.
Robin
Madalyn
#5
Nov 6th, 2020 7:08 pm
So sorry Kaye. I’ve said many times I’m so happy you had found your person. Wonderful memories with a great man. Cherish the memories. Love you
Madalyn
#4
Nov 6th, 2020 5:16 pm
So sorry Kaye. I’ve said many times I’m so happy you had found your person. Wonderful memories with a great man. Cherish the memories. Love you
Janet Holmes Uchendu
#3
Nov 6th, 2020 10:09 am
I am so very sorry. Thoughts and prayers for the family. May Shep rest in eternal love and peace.
Sandra Wiley
#2
Nov 6th, 2020 8:44 am
I'm so sorry to hear this. Wanted you to know I'm praying for you and family. Will not be able to attend services in quarantine.
Ed Williams
#1
Nov 6th, 2020 6:47 am
God bless Shep.

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