Iris Byrd Rochelle, 101 years old, went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 7, 2025 in Tarboro, NC.

Iris was born and raised in Bertie County. Upon completion of high school, she relocated to Tarboro, NC in November of 1941. She left Tarboro for only one year to attend Bible College. Iris married Willie Shepard in 1945. She had a wonderful marriage lasting 22 years until his death. She later remarried Bob Rochelle. They had a wonderful life and family together until his death. Iris will be remembered for her love, kindness, humor and commitment to her family, community and Christ.

Iris was an active member of Word of Life International Church in Tarboro, NC. She also served as an active member at the First Pentecostal Holiness church in Tarboro prior to Word of Life. When physically able, Iris was known to be the first to arrive and last to leave church. Until her death, she participated in keeping the prayer chain going through church. Iris served as a Voice Volunteer for 14 years, transporting seniors to and from Doctor appointments.

Iris was preceded in death by her father, Hillary Luther Byrd; mother, Annie Baker Byrd; brothers, Jarvis Byrd, Shelton Byrd; sisters, Ellen Byrd, Mary Anne, Judy Hare; first husband, Willie Shepard; second husband, Robert "Bob" Rochelle; and son, Jimmie Shepard, Sr.

Iris is survived by her daughter-in-law, Ruth Shepard; granddaughter, Doris Medlin (Neil); grandson, Jimmie Shepard, Jr. (Melissa); grandson, Robert Shepard (Alison); great grandchildren, Katarina Medlin, Tyler Medlin, Jenna Shepard and Carter Shepard.

Visitation will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM a the Word of Life International Church in Tarboro.

Interment will follow the service at Edgecombe Memorial Park.