Josephine Shepard

Josephine Phyllis Shepard, age 82, of St. Louis, MI, passed away peacefully Monday, August 10, 2020, at her home.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI, on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Billie Lou Gillespie officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 5-8 P.M. and Friday, August 14, 2020 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Josephine was born in Alma, MI on January 23, 1938, the sixth of the eleven children of Emery Edmond and Helen May (Daniels) Shepard.

Josephine enjoyed playing cards and doing jigsaw puzzles. She liked to watch TV and old movies. As one of eleven children with 45 nieces and nephews, Josephine loved time spent with her family and always looked forward to going to family reunions.

Despite her limited education, through her perseverance and hard work, Josephine excelled at everything in life. At 17, she began working at the local theater. Later Josephine worked for Pane Glass Company/BNG Glass for many years and became an excellent window glazer.

Josephine is survived by 3 siblings: James (Joyce) Shepard, Arthur (Linda) Shepard, and Dorcia (Bob) Thomas, brother-in-law Albert Dowell, brother and sister-in-law Elvin and Gloria Woodcock, and many nieces and nephews.  Josephine was preceded in death by her father Emery Shepard, mother Helen Miller, and 7 siblings: Mildred, Edward, John, Emma, Rachel, Betty, and Elaine.

The Family requests that donations be made to The Gratiot Community Senior Center (1329 Michigan Ave., St. Louis, MI 48880). Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.