Howard "Jean" (Sheppard) Earls

Howard Jean Earls was born on April 13, 1936, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Laura Belle Davis-Foster and Howard Lee Sheppard, and named after her father. She transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the age of 88.

Jean was raised in Dallas, where she attended school and began her lifelong journey of faith. At the early age of 7, during Vacation Bible School in July 1943, Jean accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church by Pastor B.F. Briggs. She was an active and faithful member of the church, participating in the Youth Ministry, attending Youth Conventions, playing the organ, and serving as the Sunday School secretary. Her commitment to God and her church was unwavering.

She met and married James A. Thompson and to this union one child was born.

In 1972, Jean moved to California, where she worked for BofA Law Firm for 10 years. She later worked for Syntex-Syva Pharmaceutical Company, serving as a supervisor and eventually manager in computer technology for a decade.

After retiring, Jean relocated to Austin, Texas, in 1995, where she became an active member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. There, she joined the General Services Auxiliary (G.S.A.) as a nurse and taught the Angels Class in Sunday School alongside the late Sis. Faye Wilson, who mentored her. Jean's heart for teaching young people the importance of respect for their elders and parents was a cornerstone of her service.

Jean's passion for serving others extended beyond the church. She was a dedicated volunteer for 10 years with Meals on Wheels, served at the Williamson County Elections for 12 years, volunteered with the Adult Literacy Program, and tutored children at Old Town Elementary School.

Jean is preceded in death by her stepfather and mother, Ples and Laura B. Foster, her father, Howard Sheppard, her brother, Charles Hickman Jr., and her great-grandson, Darrius Rivers.

Jean leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory: her daughter, Delvetta Thompson of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren: Jean G. Millage, James R. McPhaul, and Larry H. Pierce (Rejena), all of Dallas, Texas; seven great-grandchildren: Jarrius R. Millage, D’Ontrrius L. Jackson (Kristi), Jarron Nelson McPhaul, Indiya Nelson McPhaul, Kaliyah Malone McPhaul, Malachi E. Pierce, and Nova Reign Pierce; six great-great-grandchildren: Orlando Millage, Kyrii D. Underwood Millage, Karter Sheffield, Ryver K. Jackson, Brantley K. Jackson, and Alex M. Jackson; along with a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Jean was lovingly known as “Triple G” by her great-great-grandsons.

Her favorite hymn was “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Jean’s faith was a guiding light to all who knew her. Her treasured reflections were “The most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the Universe” and “God chooses what we go through; we choose how we go through it.”