Denise Evelyn Shepherd

Denise Evelyn Shepherd, née Giovannini, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the age of 58. Born on July 30, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, Denise was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and the loving fiancée of Adrian Wilson.

Denise was a strong and resilient woman whose warm laugh and welcoming smile left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She carried herself with kindness and generosity, always willing to help others and always placing family and friends close to her heart. Her love, strength, and compassion made the world around her brighter. She touched the lives of many through her giving nature and her beautiful spirit, and she will be remembered with deep love.

Family was at the center of Denise’s life. As the oldest of six siblings, she shared a special bond with her sisters, Trinie Rodriguez, Lorraine Brannon, Mary LeBron, and Bobbie Holguin, and with her brother, Willie Holguin. She was also a devoted mother to Nicole Hernandez, Richard Gutierrez, Angelica Caraballo, Faith Shepherd, Andrea Caraballo, and Giovanni Shepherd. Her love extended richly into the next generation through her grandchildren, Isabel Hernandez, Nala Tate, Lucas Hernandez, Marco Hernandez, Kion Caraballo, Kovu Caraballo, Winter Allman, Luna Allman, Xovanny Hernandez, Gabriel Jackson, and Finrir Allman, each of whom was part of the family she cherished so deeply.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Aurora Shepherd; her mother, Mary Holguin; and her grandparents, John and Cathy Giovannini.

Denise’s life was marked by a heart that gave freely and a presence that brought comfort, warmth, and light. Those who loved her will carry forward the memory of her laughter, her strength, and the deep care she showed to the people in her life. She will be forever missed, always loved, and never forgotten.