Mrs. Vivian Shepard

Mrs. Vivian Shepard passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the age of 74 years, she was born December 16, 1940 in Bessemer, Alabama the daughter of George and Lillian King. She grew up with six other siblings in the community of West Highland. Vivian confesses and accepted Christ in her life at an early age and was baptized at Oak Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend H. J. Jones in West Highland. She was active in the church Sunday School where she served as Church Secretary and was a member of the Usher Board. Vivian’s education began at West Highland Elementary School, where she completed grades 1-6. She attended Pipe Shop Junior High School in Bessemer through middle school grades and earned her High School Diploma from Westfield High School in Westfield, Alabama. Vivian was well-known for her fun loving, generous and helpful personality. She also enjoyed spending some of her summers in Montevallo, Alabama with one of her favorite aunts. Her favorite past times were dancing, going on community hay ride and following and cheering on the community’s girl softball team. She also enjoyed playing bingo and pokino. Later she met and married her husband, James Shepard, Jr. Vivian moved to Saginaw, MI with him, where they remained married for 52 years until her death. Several years after her move to Michigan, she sought employment and was hired by General Motors at Grey Iron Foundry in Saginaw. Vivian later transferred to the GM Oldsmobile facility in Lansing, MI. Several years later she returned to the General Motors Delphi facility in Saginaw where she was awarded a commendation for becoming the first female to operate machinery on the assembly line at this facility. Vivian remained there until her retirement in the year 2000, completing 28 years of employment at General Motors. Mrs. Vivian Annette Shepard leaves to cherish her memory; husband, James Shepard, Jr. of Saginaw, MI; five daughters and four sons, Cassandra King of Bessemer, AL, Michelle Alexandra of Pensacola, FL, Vanessa Jackson, Connie Shepard, Michael (Chinetta) Shepard, Ronald Shepard, Terrell Shepard, Sr., Sherlle Shepard and James Shepard III, all of Saginaw, MI; eleven grandchildren, Jeffrey King of Bessemer, AL, Andre (Angie) Shepard, Victoria Shepard, Dwane Jackson, Cassandra Young, Deontray Shepard, Dameyon Shepard, DuWanna Jackson, Catera Shepard, Michael Shepard, Jr. and Reginald Johnson, all of Saginaw, MI; thirteen great-grandchildren, DeAndre, DreViontae, DreVion, Shaniya, Deontrana, Khaleesia, Kaiden Shepard, Courtney Johnson, Ciane Jackson (Jamila King), Derrisha House, Marci Hunter and Jordan Davis; three sisters, Vera King, Sherry Knight and Shirley Neal; brother, George King, Jr.; three aunts, Thelma, Wilma Cepheus and Delores Sea; four nieces, Stephanie King, Melonie, Crystalline Knight and Bridgette King; two nephews, Anthony Neal and Jason Neal; special cousin, Armigene T. Skipwith; sister-in-law, Mona King; brother-in-law, David Neal; other relatives and friends including special friends, May Curtis and Brandon. Mrs. Shepard was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Rodomus Dedicatoria, Covenant Health Care and a very special thanks to Hospice Healthcare. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Spiritual Israel Church, 120 South 5th Street. Elder Joe Grace will officiate, with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Monday from 2-8 p.m.

Mrs. Vivian Shepard

December 16, 1940 - October 29, 2015