Carolyn Shepherd, 79, of Smilax, KY, departed this life on March 10, 2026, in Wooton, KY. Carolyn was born on April 26, 1946, to the union of the late Emry and Cindy Burns Hacker.

Carolyn took great pride in maintaining a pristine yard and garden. While gardening was a hobby she enjoyed, it carried on with her nurturing spirt as a beloved homemaker preparing the harvest of her labor in the garden.  She loved cooking for her family and making sure everyone left with their belly full!  

By occupation, Carolyn was a school bus driver for the Leslie County Board of Education for over 17 years of dedicated service until her retirement just a few years ago.  

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, granny, sister, neighbor and friend. 

Carolyn is survived by one daughter, Sheila Boggs (Toby) of Smilax, KY; one son Scotty Shepherd (Sheila Trent) of Smilax, KY; one brother, Marvin Hacker of Oneida, KY; three sisters, Juanita Smith of Indianapolis, IN, Fannie Mae Stewart of Oneida, KY, and Martha Hensley of Scottsburg, IN; four treasured grandchildren, Devin Shepherd (Deanna) , Jamie Boggs, Jordon Boggs (Leanna) , and Cameron Napier; six great-grandchildren, Reece, Brantley, Bryleigh, Bentley, Carter, Kiley and one on the way.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Shepherd; three brothers, Frank Hacker, Raymond “Hack” and Valgene Hacker; and one sister, Violet Frost.

The funeral service to commemorate the life of Carolyn Shepherd will be held at 2p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home in Hyden, KY with Ronnie Wells officiating.

Interment will follow the services at Jack Williams Cemetery at Smilax, KY with Scottie Shepherd, Devin Shepherd, Cameron Napier, Jamie Boggs, Jordon Boggs, and Toby Boggs serving as pallbearers.

Friends and family may gather for visitation from 6p.m. until 9p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home.

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home