Obituary
Guest Book
2009
2013
Jaylin Rianna Shepherd, born 03/04/09 in Merced, CA, died 03/15/13 from drowning.
She is survived by her loving father and mother, Kelcey and Heather Shepherd; twin sister, Kaylin Shepherd; her beloved blended family, including brothers, Joseph Davis and Davonya Shepherd; sisters, Dasia Shepherd, Emaya Shepherd and Shania Shepherd; great grandmothers, Mildred Riggs and Doris Hassett; grandparents, Flip and Kathy Hassett; great aunts, Doris Dulcich and Helen Campbell; great uncle, Joe and Rose Sabo; aunts and uncles, Frank Hassett, Judy and Gary Smith, Karen and Erwin Davey, Curtis and Gaye Riggs, Kraig and Robin Riggs, Steven Hassett, Chris Hassett and Dimitrios Tommer, and Kristopher "Noodie" Shepherd.
Jaylin is preceded in death by great grandfather, Kenneth Riggs; great grandma, Elsie Shepherd; grandmother, Darlene Shepherd; stepsister, Jordan Shepherd; and cousin, Vantory "Lil' Van" Miles.
Although Jaylin's death is a tragedy, her four years of life were blessed. She was a happy, vivacious, beautiful child who brought joy, laughter, and special memories for her great circle of family and friends. She loved people – shouting your name and dashing into your arms. She loved dancing, singing, swimming, attending Sunday school at Central Presbyterian Church, and preschool at Aileen Colburn, playing pretend games, sports, cards, using iPad and other computer learning games.
Our hearts are broken….
Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday – March 22nd, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home (1490 B Street, Merced, CA).
A celebration of Jaylin's life will be held on Saturday, March 23rd at 12:30pm at the residence of Curtis and Gaye Riggs, 2870 Rambler Lane, Merced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Swim for Jaylin Shepherd" Memorial Fund. This community fund will support the City of Merced summer swim and safety programs with the help of the Merced Skimmers swimming team. Checks may be made payable to United Way of Merced County (658 W. Main Street, Merced, CA 95340) – please indicate "Swim for Jaylin Shepherd" in the memo line.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 13, 2013
Shania Shepherd
I am Shania Shepherd Jaylin Shepherds older sister i want to thank everyone for the support of my little princess I love you family
April 7, 2013
letty mendoza
So sorry for your loss. May GOD be with you and your family in these hard times.
April 4, 2013
Kelcey I am so sorry for your loss. Blessing for you and your family. I was Jordan's preschool teacher in Livingston and I am sad to hear about your loss again with Jaylin. You and your precious family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Cristina Robles
March 30, 2013
J W
I am so sorry for your loss. May the "God of all comfort" bring you peace.
March 28, 2013
Dina Benavides
heather, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Im so sorry to even think something like this would ever happen. May the Lord be with you in this time of tragedy. Dina Benavides
March 25, 2013
Maryann
My prayers an thoughts with you an your family
March 24, 2013
Sherry Johnson
My sincere condolences for the loss of your beautiful little girl. May God comfort and keep you in his loving arms.
March 24, 2013
Coleman and Peg Montgomery
Our hearts go out to all of you for your loss. Just remember she is in the arms of Jesus who also loves her dearly. Prayers with you all.
March 23, 2013
Valerie Palafax
My prayers go out to your family during this time of tragedy.
.Agape Love ,
Valerie Palafax
March 23, 2013
Michelle Grantham
And if I go, while you're still here...
Know that I still live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I await the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to the fullest.
And when you need me,
just whisper my name in your heart,
.............I will be there.
March 23, 2013
May God be with u during this difficult time.
March 22, 2013
Chris Sanchez
It's hard dealing with loved ones leaving us hear but remember the family has a beautiful Angel looking over us always. May Jaylin Rest in Paradise for ever. Love you guys....
March 22, 2013
Jen Webster
Heather & Family,
Our hearts broke with yours and we continue to pray for strength and comfort to you all during this time. I wish you could feel the love and support from all of us at work. We are right there with you. Sweet Jaylin's smile will never be forgotten. Hugs my friend.
March 22, 2013
Leo Grant
Our Family prayers go out to your family. Keep the faith Family.
March 22, 2013
Your sweet girl has been called to be with our lord...she is dancing with the angels watching over all of you. Your family is in my prayers, my Sincere Condolences...Laurie (Tucker)
March 22, 2013
There are no words to console you but I offer you my prayers. Dana Sass Subang
March 22, 2013
Stacy Medina
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting such a beautiful lil girl I'm sure she left an everlasting impression on all who knew and loved her. (Diggy) Heather my heart goes out to you and your family in your time of grief. May God bless your lil angel.
March 22, 2013
Kimberly Lomax
May you and your family find peace and comfort today and the days to come.
March 22, 2013
Your Sweet Jaylin has been called to be with our lord and now dances with so many angels watching over you all...and is now with precious family and friends that have gone before us all...please have peace in knowing gods arms are tightly wrapped around your baby girl!! Her sweet girl and your family are in my prayers. Laurie (Tucker)
March 22, 2013
Tiffany Lelie
HEATHER, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILIES LOSS.... YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS... GOD BLESS...
March 22, 2013
Ms. Monica
She will be greatly missed but never forgotten! May God wrap you in his arms during this difficult time.
March 22, 2013
Mona Garcia
Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
March 22, 2013
Lilly Haggerty
When I read about this story, it broke my heart. Although I don't know this family, I am compelled to pray for you all. May God comfort you and give you strength.
March 22, 2013
Terri Cambridge
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
March 22, 2013
Heather Britton
Deepest Sympathies and heartfelt prayers ... I cant imagine your pain , Heather... But she is now your Guardian Angel in Heaven ... May life bring you peace and understanding to come ... God Bless you and your family ...
March 22, 2013
Melissa Phillips
Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cant explain how sorry I am. I will be praying for you and your family during this painful time.
March 21, 2013
Cassandra Ward
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
March 21, 2013
Tony & Patti Dossetti
No word, God Bless you and your entire family. You all are in our prayers
March 21, 2013
Marcia Carrillo
Heather, I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May you feel peace, love and hope. I love you
March 21, 2013
Marcia Burnett- Carrillo
Heather, I'm praying for you and your family. I love you. May you feel peace, love and hope.
March 21, 2013
Heather I did not know your daughter but i felt i did with all you shared with me our laughter of how funny she is . You are a wonderful mother may god bless you and comfort you ,I know she hula hooped all the way to heaven. love you Andrea co-worker
March 21, 2013
Gabby Vega
Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
March 21, 2013
Kedra Markie
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 21, 2013
Ms. Maria
I'm sorry for your loss May God give you strength during this had time. Jaylin is missed in class, it will never be the same without her.
March 21, 2013
Deejah Mansur
Heather and family, so sorry for your loss. May God and his love carry you through this difficult time. My heart goes out to all of you.
March 21, 2013
Lou Price
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We will forever miss seeing little Jaylin playing down the block and that ever present wave and smile. Lou & Sandy
March 21, 2013
Jim Cardoza
For some questions, there are no answers. May the you find the strength to go forward.
March 21, 2013
Roxie Lonctot
Heather, my thoughts & prayers are for you and your family. My tears(and there are many) are for you. My arms are for giving you the tightest hug so that you can put your head on my shoulders to carry your pain and sadness. I will miss Jaylin's little hand on her hip giving(Bug)the look while trying to get him to play ball:)I am sure KK can continue on where she & Jaylin left off. You have amazing kids & you have amazing strength. I am here, whenever,for whatever as always.We may not feel like laughing today my friend, but WE will share laughter again.
March 21, 2013
Our prayer and love are with Heather and family love George & Lupe Herrera
March 21, 2013
Kristina Steverson
Our hearts are broken. We are here for you always. We are blessed to have known such a wonderful little soul and to have been able to make wonderful memories.
March 21, 2013
Jackie Knabe
Your family is in my prayers.
March 21, 2013
melissa curtice
Our hearts n prayers go out to you Kelsey and your family, I never got to meet Jaylin, but I did know her sister Jordon before she became an angel. They are together, watching over all of you guys, and they are in an awesome place now. May god heal your hearts and watch over each one of you.
March 21, 2013
Kelly Swan
Heather and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your CCS/CFMG family has been heart broken since we heard.
May she rest in peace and her memory carry you through the tough times.
If you need anything, please let me know.
March 21, 2013
Betty Harris-Gholson
My heart goes out to u &ur family,in u & ur family is in my prayers.
March 21, 2013
Marianna Moreno-Martinez
My prayers go out to you and your family.
March 21, 2013
Angie Berumen
Heather and Family : sending all our love and prayers to all of you. She is a Beautiful lil angel.
March 21, 2013
Craig & Tabitha Nash
Heather, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything just get in touch. Anything at all..
March 21, 2013
Enrique Altamirano
Heather and family:
May you take confort in knowing and angel is watching over you and your family. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your little angel.
March 21, 2013
Manny & Isabel Altamirano
R.I.P. Sweet Little Angel Jaylin
March 20, 2013
JAMESSE DOWELL
HEATHER MY GOD BE WITH U IN YOUR FAMILY,AM LOST WITH WORDS I SAW U N THE KIDS AT MONEY MART N MERCED,JAYLIN WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTIN AND JUST NO THAT WE WILL ALL MEET AGAIN GOD BLESS U AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY.IF U NEED ANYTHANG FILL FREE TO CALL ME ANYTIME R DAY
March 20, 2013
Russ & Veronica Ochoa
May our lord and the blessed mother help your family get through this. Our prayers will be with you.
March 20, 2013
RICHARD c
when god takes an angel, a thousand more take her place.
March 20, 2013
Jonnie Lucas
Having lost a child many years ago I know the pain you are feeling. There are no words to console you. I pray that you understand that she is in a place where she can play forever and be your guardian angel until you meet again. Bless your family. I will miss seeing her play in the Hassets front yard down the street from me.
March 20, 2013
My heart goes out to you and your family and i will pray for you...Andrea mom
March 20, 2013
janell skipworth
March 20, 2013
Jeannine Phillips
Heather and family,
Praying for you and your family at this time of heartache ,we do not always understand God's plan, but we can not change it. For whatever reason he needed Jaylin in heaven. I pray that God will continue to lift you up, wipe your weeping eyes and give you all strength to carry on. Cherish the memories you carry in your heart and mind. Know that you will see her again
March 20, 2013
Heather-you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. All our love, The Gibsons
March 20, 2013
Dennis & Margie Anderson
Our prayers are with the Family, at this very sad time in everyone's lives. Flip, Kathy - Special prayers - we're thinking of you.
March 20, 2013
Jeanne Evans
My heart aches and breaks for you all. Praying that you find comfort.
March 20, 2013
John and Mary Hofmann
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Shepherd, the Hassett and the Riggs families. We hope the love of our wonderful Merced community helps to support you through this agonizing experience.
March 20, 2013
Ms. Lori Dusin
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God give you strength in your time of need. I will always keep a piece of sweet Jaylin in my heart.
March 20, 2013
Frances Lunney
March 20, 2013
tanisha tate
Sorry for your lost praying for you and your family
March 20, 2013
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your family Heather!
From Old Coworkers in Atwater..
March 20, 2013
Amber
Forever babygirl Jay!!
March 20, 2013
Amber Belt
A precious angel will forever be watchn over her beautiful family...Godbless you all and may god hold you all in his hands through this trying time.
March 20, 2013
Lynne Powers
Deepest sympathies to you and all your family! Prayers for you all.
March 20, 2013
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss , may God give you and your family the strength to continue.
Mo Jimenez
March 20, 2013
Miss Erika
Prayers from an Aileen Colburn staff member I'm so sorry
March 20, 2013
Jessica R.
As a monther, I can only imagine the emotions going through your family. My heart aches because there are no words. I can only hope that you, with time, you can heal but never forget. Grieving is part of the healing process. May your little girl rest in peace and know that she'll ALWAYS be with you. She is beautiful.
March 20, 2013
Heather, so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious baby girl. Words cannot express my sorrow. You and your family will be in my prayers for strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
Cynthia Butrym (Former student)
March 20, 2013
Judy Carr
So very sorry for your great loss - what a precious angel!!! May God bless you and keep you strong.
March 20, 2013
kelli clark
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.kelcey i am so sorry for your loss.
March 20, 2013
Heather Moore
Only had the pleasure of meeting this precious Jaylin once but in that one day her and her sister touched my heart. My prayers go out to the family. May God comfort you.
March 20, 2013
Riki Ollis
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
March 20, 2013
May God Bless You All. My deepest sympathies. Nicole Montgomery
March 20, 2013
My sympathy is with you and my prayers goes out to you and your family
March 20, 2013
Lynn Arevalo
Dear Heather and family, sending lots of prayers and hugs your way during this difficult time. Heather please always know that I am here for you. God must of needed another angel! I love you all!
March 20, 2013
Stephanie Medina
My sincerest condolences to the Shepard family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
March 20, 2013
Rachel Hadley
My heart aches for you! Sincere condolences for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.
May God Bless you and your family in this time of great sorrow,
March 20, 2013
Lynn Arevalo
Dear Heather and family Sending many prayers and hugs your way during this difficult time. Heather always know that I am here for you if you need me. God must of needed another angel! I love you guys!
March 20, 2013
I'm so sorry my heart goes out to your family..mother of twins...
March 20, 2013
Joseph Zamora
You will be missed Jaylin and I will never forget the lives that you touched while you were here with us...
Love Always,
Uncle Bo
March 20, 2013
Bianca
My prayers go out to you and your family may you find comfort in knowing she is in good hands and smiling down at you from up above.
March 20, 2013
Michelle Xiong
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jaylin is and will be a blessing in so many ways. My heart goes out to all of you.
March 20, 2013
Kimberly Lomax
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Condolences to everyone during this time of grief. She is a precious angel.
March 20, 2013
Shari Murphy
My heart aches for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Prayers are being said for all of you.
March 20, 2013
Mikayla Garcia
Sorry for your lose condolences.to the family
March 20, 2013
vivienne friesen
Have faith heather and kelsey your little lamb lost her way and is now in the arms of god he has a sweet little angel, your friend vivienne
March 20, 2013
adrian,annabelle cortinas
she was in my daughter class and will be missed greatly my heart goes out to her and her family, my daughter will allways be her and her sister friend.god has a beautiful angel now.
March 20, 2013
Tamika Hankston
From my family to yours our thoughts and prayers go out to you. May God bless you and your family as he watches over this angel.
March 20, 2013
Lawrence McGraw
Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Think of all the great memories and her beautiful smile. Then you will find the peace of GOD that trancends all understanding. Stay in prayer
March 20, 2013
Lydia Rodriguez
Heather, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....
March 20, 2013
d berry
So very sorry for your loss. May God give you strength to survive this life altering tragedy. My prayers are with all of these families.
March 20, 2013
candace rauch
my heart goes out to you and your family...after losing a child myself....i understand...
March 20, 2013
Chiqui Tadeo
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!!
March 20, 2013
Lisa
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 20, 2013
Anne Wilson
Angel in heaven, you did your job here on earth.
Now, with God, shed His light on your family as they continue to do His work here.
March 20, 2013
Becky Dixon
Heather and family my thoughts and prayers are with you! Love you Heather.
March 20, 2013
Jackie Partch-Parker
I am so sad for all of you to lose such a beautiful child so young. May the love of God bring you strenght at this very sad time.
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