Cephas Shepard was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, where he graduated from Central High School. Afterward, he relocated to New Orleans and , in 1975 he graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1988, Shepard attended Delgado Community College where he received his real estate license. In 1999, he earned his real estate broker's license; he then started his own reputable real estate company, Affordable Realty Cephas Shepard & Assoc., LLC. Shepard is also a father of three children. He enjoys golf, billiards and fishing.