Blog Post
Mrs. Frances Elaine Shepherd-Forte
Frances Elaine Shepherd-Forte was born November 30, 1946, in Wilson County, NC. “Chubby” was the second eldest child born to James Franklin Best and Fannie Williams Best. Frances attended Springfield High School in Lucama, North Carolina. On June 23, 1963, she married Harold Gene Shepherd who preceded her in death on April 23, 2018.
For more than 20 years, Frances worked as seamstress at Jerold Sewing Facility in Smithfield, NC, followed by a brief stint with Jefferson Pilot Insurance Company. Without a doubt, her most rewarding role was serving as pastor of Holy Temple Church of God of Selma, Inc. Dr. Frances Shepherd-Forte was member of Holy Temple for over 50 years serving a secretary, a choir member, Assistant Pastor, and Pastor for approximately 20 years.
Frances found a second chance at love and married Mr. Robert Lee Forte on July 30, 2020. Unfortunately, their time together was brief. Mr. Forte recently preceded her in death on May 20, 2022.
She leaves to cherish her memory three siblings, Delores Gray of Wilson, NC; James C. Best and Steven M. Best (Vickie) of Wilson, NC; two sons, Johnnie Decaris Shepherd of Selma, NC, and Shelton Maurice Shepherd of Raleigh, NC; two grandchildren Tymetrius Haley and D’Andre Shepherd of Selma, NC; two stepdaughters, Meschell Forte and Angela “Toni” Charles of Darlington, SC; one stepson, Anthony Yelverton of Goldsboro NC; five step-grandchildren, Tinikia “Cheri” Forte, Antuawn Forte, Shenita Yelverton, Mekeba McMillian and Jeorge Forte; and a host nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
Viewing: Mrs. Frances shall lie in repose Friday July 22, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Holy Temple Church of God 228 Montgomery Heights Rd., Selma, NC. Facial coverings are required.
Funeral Services: Saturday July 23, 2022 at 12:00 noon, Shiloh Christian Church 211 Durham St., Smithfield, NC with viewing from 1100 am until 12:00 noon. Facial coverings are required. Services will be streamed live via our Facebook page at 11:55 am.
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Guest Book
Family or Deceased Name: Pastor Frances Shepherd Forte
Your Name: Barbara Shepherd
Email: msbashep@gmail.com
Message: Rest in Heaven Pastor Frances Shepherd Forte. I will truly miss you and will always love you. We had a special relationship as you were my Aunt and Pastor. I was thinking of all the fun times and laughter we shared through the years and that is how I will remember you. Thank you for serving faithfully for over 20 years at Holy Temple Church of God, Inc.
Date: 07/22/2022
Family or Deceased Name: Pastor Francis Shepherd-Forte
Your Name: Hattie Lofton
Email: loftons04@yahoo.com
Message: Pastor Francis will be missed - she was a COMMUNITY PASTOR who found time to encourage so many. She will be missed. MAY YOUR FAITH IN GOD HELP HEAL YOUR SORROW - In sympathy Evangelist Dr. Hattie Lofton
Date: July 21, 2022
Family or Deceased Name: Pastor Shepherd-Forte
Your Name: Kim and Tyrone Daye
Email: kim.richardson69@yahoo.com
Message: To the family of Pastor Frances Shepherd-Forte. We loved Pastor Shepherd-Forte. She has always exemplified a beautiful spirit of God. I have always enjoyed the fellowship with her and Holy Temple Church of God. Pastor Frances Shepherd-Forte will never be forgotten. ❤️🙏🏽
Date: 7192022
Family or Deceased Name: Shepherd-Forte Family
Your Name: Rev. Dr. Robert O'Neal, Jr.
Email: roneal@liberty.edu
Message: We at The Tabernacle can only imagine the grief and sorrow that you bear. May you find comfort during this time as God strengthens your heart with His love and peace.
With caring thoughts and prayers from Rev. Dr. Robert O’Neal, Senior Pastor and the church family of O’Neal Revival Tabernacle, 500 Richardson Rd, Zebulon NC.
Date: 7/19/22
Family or Deceased Name: Pastor Sheppard
Your Name: Elder Milton neal
Email: miltonrayneal@gmail.com
Message: May God continue to bless your family 🙏💖 with his everlasting love
Date: 07-19-2022
Family or Deceased Name: DR.Frances Shepard
Your Name: Minister Ralph and Gloria Atkinson
Email: gloriatkinson@gmail.com
Message: You have our deepest sympathy.We found Pastor Frances to be kind , sweet, and an example of christian service and pastorship.We will continue to remember your family in prayer.God can heal your loss.
Date: 7/18/2022
Family or Deceased Name: Frances Elaine Shepherd-Forte
Your Name: Keisha Monk
Email: kmonk73@gmail.com
Message: Rest in Heavenly peace my birthday twin. You were such a sweet soul. May God give your family strength to get through this difficult time.
Date: 07/18/2022
Family or Deceased Name: Shephard family
Your Name: john lucas
Email: fayluke1@gmail.com
Message: We are sorry to hear of passing of Pastor Frances Shephard Forte.She was always there for my family in our times of need and sorrow.She will be missed. John and Margaret Lucas
Date: 071822
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