Mary Shepherd

Mary Ellen Shepherd was born on May 14, 1926 in Springfield, Ohio to Charles and Lena (Watkins) Duncan.  When she was five years old, the family moved to Columbus.  There, she graduated from South High School in 1944, raised her family and retired from Ohio Bell in 1980 after over 23 years of service.  Mary was a faithful member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years.  She was active in the Jubilee Choir and Loyal Ladies until her health prevented her from doing so, however, her commitment to the Lord never wavered.

Mary was a force to be reckoned with. Because of her direct and strong personality, you never had to wonder what she was thinking. Mary loved her family and friends dearly. You could always turn to her for any need.  Her motto was, “If you see something that needs to be done, do it!”

For over 40 years, Mary was a member of the Elks Lodge Capital City Temple #231 where she made many great friends and fond memories. She loved to cook and entertain friends, having them over to enjoy one another’s company along with the food she would prepare for them.  Mary loved to shop and it showed! She was always buying something for her family, especially her grandchildren. Mary also took great pleasure in her travels throughout the United States and across the world.

On December 17, 2018, at the age of 92, Mary Ellen Shepherd was called home to eternal rest with her Lord and Savior. In addition to her parents, Mary is predeceased by her son, Welborn “Stanley” Shepherd; brothers, Charles, Jerry, Michael, Robert and William Todd Duncan; sisters, Barbara Duncan, Edith Hall and Victorrita Ligon; grandsons, Shawn Gilliam and Charles “Anthony” Smith; and granddaughter, Wanda “Shellie” Smith.  

Left to cherish her legacy are her children, Florenda (James) Hairston and Vickie (Smith) Tolliver; sister, Pauline Hall; cousin, Teresa (Brian) Dalton; 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mary will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

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