Barbara Ann Shepherd Dana

Barbara Ann Shepherd Dana was born on March 26, 1933 and passed away on April 29, 2015 at the age of 82 years.
She was the first born of two siblings to Raymond Shepherd and Magie Bray Shepherd. Barbara was educated in private schools in Tulsa, OK and on September 15, 1951, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BS in Chemistry. Barbara loved a challenge. She was hired as a reservation clerk with American Airlines and was later promoted to flight attendant. This afforded her the opportunity to travel, one of her many passions.
As a devotee of cosmetics, she took a part-time position with Fashion Fair cosmetics and worked as a consultant.
On May 15, 1968, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Caleb Henry Dana. She had no children of her own but gave of herself unselfishly to the children of her friends and associates.
She went to work in 1976 for the Orleans Parish Juvenile Courts as a secretary and served until her retirement in 2003.
Barbara was very devoted to her job. She worked on holidays, especially Mardi Gras when crime in our society was at a high. She did look forward to Thanksgiving when her mother would visit from Tulsa, OK.
“Born to Shop”; Saturday was a highlight of Barbara’s week. She would pick up the twins, Cora and Nora for stops at the beauty salon, brunch, the mall (try keeping up with her at the mall) and the grocery store. This was her ritual for many years until Cora’s health began to fail. Barbara’s credo was, “You deserve to treat yourself. Look good, feel good and enjoy what you worked for.” Barbara had a very unique presence when inviting you out. Half of the evening was spent reminiscing about her life in Tulsa, OK, over and over but you didn’t mind. She was such a delight to be around and to talk to.
Her social life revolved around reading, trips to Burlington, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Save-A-Lot; occasionally having lunch with close friends, Pat McKay, Margie, Lula and the grocery store with her close friend and neighbor Eunice.
She leaves to cherish her memories, former sister-in-law Sandra and family; devoted friend for over 19 years, Lula Schexnayder; co-workers Melissa Wilson, Parnell Deneta, close friends Gwen Plaisance and Eunice Rodriguez and so many more whose lives she touched. She will be sadly missed but her life will be celebrated.
Relatives, friends and co-workers of Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, residents and staff of Carol Sue Apartments and staff of Belle Vie Living Center are invited to attend the graveside services at Westlawn Memorial Park, 1225 Whitney Avenue in Gretna on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 10 AM.
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness…Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:26, 30-31)
MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com .