Mary L. Sheppard

Mother Mary L (Eatman) Sheppard was born on February 16, 1935 to the union of Lovell and Mary L. Eatman in Eutaw, Alabama. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Christian Light Presbyterian Church in Mantua, Alabama. She received her formal education in the Greene County School System and received her high school diploma from Eutaw High School. She then attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She also attended Southern Illinois University in Alton, Illinois. Upon moving to Alton, she met and married Mr. Nathaniel Sheppard, Sr. on April 16,1955. Mother Sheppard moved her membership from Christian Light to Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Luther T. Simmons where she was a faithful member. She served on the Usher Board as well as on the Mother’s Board. Mother Sheppard was employed at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Owens Illinois and also Glass and Hutchinson Foundry where she retired in 2001 after 22 years of dedicated service. She soon came out of retirement and started working for Senior Services as a homemaker for 5 years until she retired once and for all. Mother Sheppard was an avid basketball fan. She loved the Los Angeles LAKERS! She also enjoyed reading and studying God’s Word, gardening, family time and singing gospel music. Mother Mary L (Eatman) Sheppard, this blessed and prosperous woman of God departed this earthly life Saturday February 5, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Sheppard Sr.; parents; daughter, Caprice Sheppard; three grandsons and six siblings. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughters Gwennette Sheppard-Wilson of Alton, IL and Bettye Eatman of East Chicago, IN; son, Nathaniel (Janice) Sheppard, Jr. of Cathedral City, CA; bonus daughter, Marci Sheppard of Augusta, GA; grandchildren, Amber, Natalie and Justin Wilson all of East Alton, IL, Shannan Wilson of St. Louis, MO, Nathaniel III, Marcus, Breean and Aaron Sheppard all of Cathedral City, CA; ten great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren other relatives and friends.

Mary L. Sheppard

February 16, 1935 - February 6, 2022