The Willow Glen Resident

Photograph courtesy of the First Baptist Church of San Jose

Transformative Years: Former Mrs. United States Sheri Rose Shepherd, 37, who will visit Willow Glen next week, credits San Joseans Emilie and Charlie Pyle with helping her overcome personal problems that plagued her in her 20s.

Former Mrs. United States spent her troubled youth in San Jose

Returns to Willow Glen as published author, motivational speaker

By Christine Frey

When Mrs. United States visits Willow Glen next week, it will be unlike any other personal appearance she has made.

"This booking probably means more to me than anything I've ever done," says 37-year-old Sheri Rose Shepherd, the 1994-1995 Mrs. United States.

While speaking at the First Baptist Church of San Jose in Willow Glen July 23, Shepherd will be reunited with the two parishioners who helped her overcome eating disorders, drug abuse and depression.

Emilie and Charlie Pyle of East San Jose took Shepherd into their home when the 24-year-old was dating their grandson. Shepherd was suffering from bulimia, bingeing and purging up to eight or 10 times a day. Her physical and emotional struggles led her to thoughts of suicide. "You couldn't talk her out of it," Emilie, 77, says of Shepherd's behavior. "She was just trying to find a purpose in life."

The Pyles helped her find it. Emilie took Shepherd to the First Baptist Church, where she has been a member since 1931. "I was just really trying to show her the moral side of life," she says. "I don't think she'd heard anything about the Bible. That's the main part of our lives."

Shepherd says the Pyles, whom she calls her "spiritual grandparents," helped her "understand God's plan." Because of their religious guidance, Shepherd kicked her drug habit and lost 50 pounds. "I am forever thankful to them," she says.

After leaving the Pyle household, Shepherd won the 1980 Miss San Jose Pageant and was the first runner-up in the Miss California Pageant. While living in Idaho, she won the title of Miss Idaho USA 1995 and competed in the Miss USA Pageant.

Shepherd, now an Arizona resident, tours the country as a motivational speaker. For the last 10 years she has spoken on a wide range of topics, including eating disorders, depression and spiritual health. She has also published two books--Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal and Fit for Excellence--and just signed a five-book contract.

Emilie has followed Shepherd's career and is amazed by her transformation. "It's a big change in her life, and I don't think she forgets it," she says.

According to Shepherd's motto, she hasn't. "It's not where you start that counts, but where you finish," Shepherd says.

Shepherd, a graduate of Prospect High School and West Valley College, is looking forward to her first visit home in two years. Like old times, she will stay with the Pyles while in San Jose. The Pyles are equally excited about the reunion. "As my husband says, 'When Sheri comes in the room, the light goes on,' " Emilie says.

Shepherd will be speaking at the First Baptist Church July 23 at 7:30 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $6 and can be ordered by calling 265-9000.

[ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ]