Lillie May Shepherd was born Lillie May Sanders to Hattie Mae Nelson and Charles Sanders, December 13th, 1936 in Augusta, GA. Lillie, later in life moved to Washington DC, where she met and married the late John Marvin Shepherd. She raised her children in Washington DC. She Graduated from Armstrong Vocational school in Washington DC. Lillie had a successful career in the Federal Government for over 25 years. Lillie had a love and passion for gospel music and was also a member of the Potomac Baptist Church Choir. Lillie was also a member of the gospel group, Shirly Ables and the Joy Singers. She travelled to many cites throughout the United States and out of the country performing gospel. Lillie was a true woman of God. Lillie was a former member of Parker Memorial Baptist church in Takoma Park, MD. She later joined Clifton Park Baptist church in Silver Spring, MD where she has been an active member for over the last 15 years. Lillie enjoyed teaching Sunday school and birthday celebrations for the seniors in the church. Lillie was an advit Teddy Bear collector and enjoyed collecting teddy bears. Ms. Shepherd was a very compassionate person filling the the role of mother, grandmother, sister and aunt not just to her own family but to many of her friends who became like family. Lillie was pillar in her community.
Lillie is survived by her two children, Son Andre Shepherd, (Vanessa). Daughter, Antionette Shepherd (Michael). God Daughter Joann Mulligan. Five siblings; Yvonne Smith, Tina Wright, Hattie Smith, Mary Davis, (Johnny) and Patricia Posey. Sister in law Eliza Sanders. Daughter in law Dolores Meade. Grandchildren; Vondell Livingston, Jerry Graham, Michael Shepherd, Tyrone Meade, Bernard Meade, Jerniene Morgan, Tiffany Shepherd, John Shepherd, Sierra Shepherd and Jabari Shepherd. 20 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Several nieces and nephews. Special friends, Ms. Blanch and Ms. Corrine and many other members from her church family. Adopted daughters, Deborah, Van and Ronda as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Shepherd is preceded in death by husband John Shepherd, Aunty Mother Geraldine Smith, brother Charles Sanders Jr, Son Jerry Walker and grandson Tony Shepherd.