Edna M. Sheppard

Edna M. (McCombs) Sheppard

January 6, 1946

Edna Mae Sheppard (McCombs), daughter of Grant Jr and Mary Jean (Humphrey) McCombs, was born January 6, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Nicknamed by her mother; Edna, was known to many loved ones as Poochie.

Edna’s primary education was in the Indianapolis Public Schools. For her secondary education, she attended Arsenal Technical High school for three years and completed her education, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School in 1964.

Edna’s employment was with Eli Lilly & Company for 32 years. She retired in 2010 from her position of Plant Security.

Edna’s facial expressions and body language was her “tell all.” She was loyal and steadfast in her friendships. She would give 110% of herself to any assignment given or taken. In contrast, she was strong willed in her convictions and was willing, whether she was wrong or right, to fight for what she believed.

In 1997, Edna was joined in holy matrimony with Charles A. Sheppard, merging two separate families together under a union built on God, trust, and love. Edna had previously professed a hope in Jesus Christ and was baptized as an adolescent. As an adult, she was re-baptized in 1998, becoming an active member of First Free Will Baptist Church, as well as First Lady of said church, being married to and under the leadership of Pastor Charles A. Sheppard.

Edna’s spiritual life was that of Giving. She knew that she was blessed to be a blessing to others. She was ever practicing the “Golden Rule,” (Matthew 7:12) and endeavoring to uphold the two great commandments of the Lord (referencing Matthew 22:37-40). The “Mother Minnie Campbell Ministry” was her passionate service of sacrificial love, as well as the Mothers’ Board. She was also an original member of the Silver Hearts Gospel Singers, under the direction of Robert Turner from 1959-1965.

Edna’s transition was January 11, 2022. Her parents Gant Jr., Mary Jean McCombs, and brother Cedric McCombs Sr. preceded her.

Edna will sorely be missed and not forgotten by her husband Bishop Charles A. Sheppard; children Terence E. Shockley Sr, (La Gina), Garland T. Shockley, (Vanessa), Charla S. Rhym, (Jerimiah), Tampa, Florida, Andria L. Wellington, (Mike), U.S. Military, Charles W, (Chiwaya), Christopher A., and Adam J. Sheppard; sisters, Suzette McCombs, Kathleen Gripper (Carlton), and Jilletta McCombs, Indianapolis, Indiana; 17 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives, friends, acquaintances, and church family

Sunshine passes, shadows fall

Loves, remembrance outlast all

While you rest in peaceful sleep,

Your memory we will always keep.

-Submitted by the Family

With sincere appreciation, we wish to shower special and heartfelt thanks to our many friends for your expressions of kindness during our bereavement for our loved one; it is not taken for granted. May God truly bless each of you.

– The Family

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Sheppard family.