JOHNNY SHEPPARD

Johnny Sheppard was the tenth of eleven children born on August 3, 1942, to the late Jessie and Suzy Sheppard.

Johnny was affectionately known as “Shepp” and was baptized at the age of eight at the New Star Baptist Church in Ringgold Louisiana, his birthplace. He graduated from Ringgold Colored High School before eventually relocating to Kansas City, Kansas. He was employed at Fair Banks Morse as a steelworker for thirty -eight years until retirement. He played in a Friday night bowling league for years and was a member of the M&K 9 Hunting Club along with family and friends. He also loved fishing and was an avid domino player.

After moving to Kansas in 1961, Johnny joined the Antioch Baptist Church where he remained of faithful servant as his health permitted. He served on the Usher Board for over thirty years and was president for twenty of those years. He also served as president of the State Usher for approximately five years, was Director of the Male Chorus, member of the Adult and Mass Choirs, Trustee, and Deacon. He was also a handyman and could fix anything.

Johnny was united in marriage to Mary Edwards on July 19, 1965, to whom he remained married for 58 years until his departure.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jessie and Suzy Smith; one daughter, Dedra Mondaine, four sisters, Minnie Mae Stanley, Vera Mae Johnson, Mildred White, and Virginia Moore: five brothers, Richard D. Sheppard, Robert L. Sheppard, Otis C. Sheppard, Larry Sheppard, and Joe Sheppard.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary D. Sheppard, one daughter: Patricia (Anthony “AJ”) Jones and one son Darrell (Netquetta) Sheppard both of Kansas City, Kansas, and one brother Jessie (Patricia) Sheppard of Shreveport, Louisiana; two grandsons: Donnell Jackson II, Darius Sheppard both of Kansas City, Kansas; two granddaughters: Donica Jackson and Ne’Kye Sheppard, Kansas City, Kansas; three great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

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