Mattie Mae Shepard

Ms. Mattie Mae Shepard was born to the union of Fred Calvin and Laura Ann (Glenn) Hart on April 22, 1933. She was raised in the Atoy Community of Rusk, Texas, and later moved to the Shady Grove Community of Rusk, Texas. She attended the Woodville Community School of Rusk, Texas. She obeyed the Gospel at Shady Grove Church of Christ and later became a member of Reklaw Church of Christ.

She was employed in private home services for over 60 years. Mrs. Shepard, affectionately known as “Mother Shepard,” was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in the Lord. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and many others whose lives were touched by her. Remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way she lived, and for the profound impact she had on all who knew her.

Mrs. Shepard peacefully entered eternal rest on August 19, 2025, at her home. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Fred Calvin and Laura Ann Hart; four brothers, Freddie Hart, Calvin S. Hart, Jerry Hart, and Leon Hart; three sisters, Lula Faye Hart, Esterlean Henderson, and Georgia Woods-Johnson; one son, Dennis Wayne Shepard; one daughter, Shirley Ann Shepard; one granddaughter, LaTrecia Lenor; and one great-granddaughter, Nykashia Polk-Bradley.

She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters, Nellean (Darrel) Sturns of Rusk, Ella Williams, Julie Johnson, and Linda Telfair, all of Houston; three sons, George (Neva) Shepard Jr. of Henderson, Ronnie (Kindi) Shepard of Houston, and Kendrick Shepard of Rusk; one grandson, she raised as her own, Derrick (Gia) Shepard of Rusk; one sister, Helen (Harold) Sheppard of Fairview; four sisters-in-law, Essie Hart of Rusk, McRay Hart, Lois Shepard, and Juanita Shepard, all of Houston; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, a very special friend of 60 years, Jeanette (Joe) Pinkard of Texarkana; and a host of relatives and friends.

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