Minnie Violet (Earls) Sheppard

Mrs. Minnie Violet Earls Sheppard, the eighth of nine children, was born to Jesse M. Earls and Mary E. Jones Earls in Garfield Texas on March 27, 1927.

At an early age, Minnie professed her beliefs in Jesus Christ and was baptized at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church at its original location. Minnie received her early education in Travis County and graduated from the original L.C. Anderson High School. After graduating from high school, Minnie relocated to Los Angeles, California. Her passion for books and reading lead her to employment at the public library there.

After living many years in Los Angeles, she returned to Austin where she met and married Mr. Howard Sheppard. They moved to Bellevue, Nebraska where she became a member of St. James United Methodist Church. While living in Bellevue, she became fond of the snow, and she enjoyed gardening during the warmer months.

After her husband’s passing, Minnie returned to Austin to reside with her youngest sister Pearline. Minnie and Pearline enjoyed cooking, and many family members enjoyed their delicious dinners. They also worked jigsaw puzzles and enjoyed watching sports on television. Minnie and Pearline watched the Triple Crown horse races, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes commenting on the hats the ladies sported for this historic event. They were very close until Pearline passed in 2018.

Minnie was also an avid reader. When visiting her home, family members and guests would find Minnie “with her head buried in a book or magazine reading.” Her love for books was evident with bookshelves filled with books she collected over many years.

Minnie joined the Ebenezer Third Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Griffin. At Ebenezer, Sister Sheppard enjoyed attending the regular worship services and special programs and events. She actively attended Sunday School and Training Union (now called CEDM, Christian Education and Discipleship Ministries) and Prayer Meeting/Bible Study. She also participated with the Woman’s Missionary Union, Circle 8. Sister Sheppard loved Ebenezer, and she was honored to be included on the Sesquicentennial Historic Quilt which included one of her favorite bible verses, Psalm 27: 1.

Minnie transitioned to her Heavenly home on Saturday, April 26, 2025 and was indeed blessed to reach 98 years of age. Our dear Minnie was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lola Houston, Almetriss M. Walker, and Pearline Earls; five brothers, Haywood Earls, Carl Lester Earls, Mace Earls, Morris Earls, and Theodore Earls. Special appreciation is extended to Shirley Earls Campbell, niece and Lisa Clift, great niece, for taking on the role as caregivers. Her wonderful life will always be remembered by her goddaughter, Pamela Jackson, loving nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors, church members, and friends.