Carol Ferring Shepley
After working as a professional writer for 58 years, I still pinch myself when someone calls me author. As a very young child, I liked nothing better than to sit on the lap of a parent or grandparent while they read to me. I stared at the words, those magic symbols that impart meaning, but they looked like ants walking across the page to me. When I started school, I couldn’t wait to learn to decipher letters and words. Reading continues to be my passion. To think that I am adding to the world’s literature gives me great joy. With every new book, I have learned a great deal. I present what I have learned in as interesting and entertaining a fashion as possible. Writing is hard work, but I feel blessed to pursue it and doubly blessed that people read what I write.
Carol Shepley 
Carol, I just wanted you to know that I just finished your book “Tales from Bellefountain Cemetery” and found it very enjoyable and informing. Born and raised in South St. Louis, I recognized many names, streets, etc, Thanks again, Jim Fiala
Thank you so much, Jim. It means a lot to an author to hear that her book was enjoyable. I love your restaurants. We had a wonderful meal at Acero last month.
Carol, they are my son’s restaurants, not mine. Thanks, Jim Fiala
Nevertheless, I very much appreciate your taking the time to tell me you enjoyed my book.
Carol Ferring Shepley I am wondering if I can contact you to see if you unearthed any stories about my family members who were buried there: The Sheltons (John G. Shelton), the Burds and the Rives. Thank you. I look forward to reading your book!
Hi Beth, I do not recall researching your ancestors. That does not mean that there is not information in the Bellefontaine archives. I suggest you make a visit and ask people in the office if they have any information. They are very friendly and love helping out descendents. Good luck. Carol
Thank you for your reply. I look forward to reading your book. 😉
Enjoying your beautiful, informative book on St. Louis. Your account of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne on page 20 needs a correction. She founded three schools in Louisiana none of which was in New Orleans. The first (1821) was in Grand Coteau, near Lafayette. The second was in Convent (1826-1926) about 30 miles up the Mississippi River from New Orleans. The third, founded during Duchesne’s lifetime, was in Natchitoches, Louisiana (1847-186?). The Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans was founded in 1867 about 15 years after her death in 1852.
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