Lois Curtis Shepherd, born November 20, 1923, in Loretto, TN, to Velma and Herbert Curtis.
She left for her Heavenly home in the early hours of October 18, 2022. She was at home, her mind was very clear, and her final days were filled with close friends, loved ones and music from her beloved husband John singing and playing guitar for her.
Lois Curtis was moved to Nashville at a very young age and raised in the Rutledge Hill area, primarily by her Grandfather on her Fathers side, along with many Aunts and Uncles. She came from humble beginnings, but never met a stranger and lived life with fiery passion for others, her music, and adventure.
Her Grandfather ran a little produce store downtown, at 429 Broadway. Lois would spend her pre-adolescent years walking and skipping down the sidewalks of Lower Broadway, to and from that little market, soaking in the sights and sounds. One particular story she would always tell: There was a building downtown she would walk by daily heading to her Grandfathers shop, that had alternating black and white tiles in the window sill. She would stop and play those tiles, pretending they were piano keys and would make up songs and tunes. Those days of her childhood along with her Grandfathers talents of playing guitar and singing for her were defining times that helped launch a lifelong career and passion for songwriting and music….
Life went on and she ended up marrying her first husband, settling down in Pensacola, FL, where she raised her family, but writing and expanding her music catalogue all the while.
In a series of life events, during the early 1970s, she would meet a strapping young man named John Shepherd, who was perusing a music career of his own and was needing new songs/lyrics along with some female harmonies and accompaniments for his projects. Fate would have it for them to meet, and as they say, the rest is history. They hit it off and never looked back.
Lois would move back to Nashville, TN with John and continue writing and recording. She was by his side for all of his shows, beginning in 1972, which means they have been actively playing and performing on Lower Broadway, Nashville, for over 50 years together. They finally married on May 27, 1984.
During the late 1970s and early 80s, downtown Nashville saw a great decline in its character due to the Grand Ole Opry moving to its current location out by Music Valley Drive. Liquor stores, strip clubs, pawn shops, and the characters that came with those kind of businesses in those days, quickly took over downtown. It became known as “Skid Row”. The music was dying in that area and the City threatened to shut it all down.
Lois wanted to help preserve as much of the beautiful Nashville from her childhood memories as she could. John, Lois, and likeminded business owners at that time were key advocates in starting the “Broadway Revitalization Committee”, in the early 1980s. They would be responsible for gathering volunteers and building a group of people to clean up downtown. They fought to protect and preserve the integrity of downtown Nashville. It was an uphill battle for many years to save downtown and the music that made Music City. The bustling and busy area we currently know as lower Broadway is hugely owed to them for their courageous stand against those tempting to destroy what we all love.
Playing on lower Broadway all of these years, introduced them to many people from all over the world. During one trip from Ireland, a man by the name of Pat Whelan came to one of John and Lois’ shows. As she always did, Mrs. Lois welcomed him and built a quick friendship with this aspiring young man. Pat was given the opportunity to look through her catalogue of songs she had written. Pat formed an album of 10+ songs, 8 of which were songs Lois had written. 1 of her 8 songs on that album was named “Spirit Eagle”, that went on to have great success.
In 2014, Mrs. Lois Shepherd was named “International Songwriter of the Year”. She earned a beautiful award and plaque that is displayed in their home for all to see. It was one of the biggest highlights of her solo writing career. She was a real troubadour!
Lois was one of the kindest souls to walk this earth. She was very spiritual and loved deeply. Her passion for music, songwriting and friendship was immeasurable. The bond and love she had for her husband John, was magical. They were inseparable, the epitome of a “dynamic duo”.
Lois Shepherd was a real Honky Tonk Hero. May her name, her legacy, her love and most importantly, her songs, live on through the ages. The day she was born, undoubtedly made the world a more beautiful place.
Lois is survived by her beloved husband John Shepherd of Nashville, TN. Daughter, Dale Elliott Kennedy and family of Pensacola, FL. Granddaughter, Sherry Elliott Horne, husband Darrell and family of Pensacola, FL. Sister, Shirley Curtis Ference, husband Robert and family of Lake Wales, FL. Her Robert’s Western World Honky Tonk Family, and countless friends and fans near and far.
We would like to send a special thanks to Rick and Marie Angers who have been long time friends but such a blessing the last few weeks while Lois was sick.
A memorial will be held Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 12-2 pm at Robert’s Western World, 416b Broadway Nashville, TN 37203.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Red Cross.
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