This is a tale of a young man who, though considered to have his own special needs, was very special, without a doubt, to his family and friends. His life story, however, shows everyone just how uniquely special he was. is extraordinary individual, against all odds, despite an unfathomable diagnosis at birth, faced life with excitement, joy, love, and fiery independence. Born to Burnita Diane Shepard, whom he loving called, “Diane”, he is, Byron Lethete Shepard, and this is his story.
On April 26, 1977, the red carpet was rolled out for his debut. It was lights, camera, action; the spotlight was on him from the day he blessed this world with his presence. From that moment, he seized the center stage of life, lived life as it came to him, and lived it to the fullest. As early as age two, he was recognized as exceptional. While most kids his age were waiting around to turn five and head o to kindergarten, Byron was already accepted into Houston ISD. By the age of four, he was already a shining student at T.H. Rogers, and soon became the school’s Ambassador. He met Superintendents, District Leaders, and Educators from around the globe.
Unlike most kids his age, Byron o en started his days o sharing a cup of coffee with his favorite girl, his “Mama”, grandmother Beulah Shepard, who had him super spoiled. It just might have been those morning coffee conversations before school, tagging behind Mama to political events, shaking hands with Judges, Mayors, City and State officials, his favorite being John Whitmire, that made Byron feel at home everywhere he went. However, Mama doesn’t get all the credit. Enjoying an amazing bond with his grandfather, “Pawpaw”, Byron relished their morning trips
to Denny’s for breakfast. Excelling at school, spending time with Mama and Pawpaw, and rubbing elbows with political leaders, all filled Byron’s life with great experiences, but swinging at Lincoln City Park was just as fulling for him. Singing in the choir, ushering on the Usher Board were very special to Byron also. He was baptized at an early age by Pastor J. C. Carrington, at Willing Workers Baptist Church and later became a faithful member of Christ Fellowship Church under Pastor Edwin G. Deese. He truly had a heart for God, and a zest for life. For Byron,
life was one precious adventure a er another. His greatest adventure was probably becoming a big brother to his “two babies”, whom he named Ryan and Bryan. He always had the best
time playing with his aunts and uncles, but becoming a big brother
