WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Lillian E. Shepard, 90, of Niles, died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at Riveridge Manor, Niles. She was born April 6, 1921 in Savannah, Tenn. to Thomas and Etta (Phillips) Downing. She married Berl G. Shepard, Sr. on May 14, 1939 in Corinth, Miss. He preceded her in death on April 28, 1990. Lillian was also preceded in death by two sons; Jim Shepard and Berl G. Shepard, Jr.; two sisters, Rosalee Clay and Thelma Copeland; and two brothers, Herschel Downing and Hassell Downing.
She retired from Three Rivers Hospital where she worked in the housekeeping department as a seamstress. She also worked at the Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles.
Lillian loved life and went to church every Sunday. She often sat and watched the birds. She spent time with her family, and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and Southern cooking.
She is survived by her daughter, Shirley J. (Edward) Schreiber of Buchanan; two sons, Herschel H. (Jeanine) Shepard of Edwardsburg and Albert T. Shepard of Phoenix, Ariz.; 18 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 4-8 p.m. at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. Services will be on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m.
Interment will follow in Prairie Grove Cemetery, Penn Township.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Online condolences may be sent c/o: wagnercares.com.
