Barbara Sheppard

Barbara Rosemary New Sheppard was born the only child to Elder William M. and Mother Beulah M. New on Wednesday, July 2, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Barbara attended Indianapolis Public Schools, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School; she pursued continuing education at Central Business College.

Barbara was employed at RCA, Western Electric and Marion County Health Department. She committed her life to Christ at a youthful age while a member of First Free Will Baptist Church, receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost at Grace Apostolic Church and continuing her days at Guiding Light Church Assembly under the pastorate of her youngest son. She was a well-noted musician and singer, serving in such aggregations as the First Free Will Youth and Young Adult Choir, Grace Church Choir, the Indianapolis Pentecostal Mass Choir, the Sheppard Family Flock choir, Mt. Zion Voices of Zion and ultimately the Guiding Light Church Music Ministry. She will be well remembered for her quiet disposition, her lively jokes, her infamous cherry cheesecake, lemon cake, caramel cake and pistachio salad.

On Sunday, December 6, 1959, Barbara married her love of nearly 63 years, Charles E. Sheppard; to this union was born three sons of which she was extremely proud.

Mother Sheppard, after she had served her own generation by the will of God, fell asleep at the beautiful age of 81 years, 1 month and 15 days, having been preceded by her parents and her daughter-in-law, Edna M. Sheppard.

Barbara leaves to cherish her love and memories her devoted husband Charles E. Sheppard; three sons, Charles A, Michael R. (Laura) and Randall M. (Kenya). 14 grandchildren: Charla, Michael, Andria, Rachel, Charles Wm., Raquel, Christopher, Adam, Randi, Toni, Tiara, Kelaiah, Randall and Kenyan; five great-grandchildren; a friend and sister of many years, Kathryn Reed and a great host of other family and friends.

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, But those excellest those all.” Proverbs 31: 28-29