Essie Pearl Shepherd

Essie Pearl Shepherd (81) of Grapeland, TX, who was born on September 22, 1935 in Oakwood, Texas to James F. Dancer and Mary Elizabeth Dancer.

 With the blessing of being raised in a loving, Christian home, Essie accepted Christ at a young age and grew up attending New Salem Baptist Church, Grapeland, Texas. After relocating back to Grapeland in retirement, she united with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas.

 Essie was raised in Latexo, Texas and educated in the W.R. Banks school system. As an adult she moved to Houston, Texas with her husband, A.J. Shepherd, where she raised three children.

 Essie was a devoted mother, homemaker, and house wife. The words homemaker and housewife do not adequately describe the life Essie achieved. She took great joy in her family. Family was everything to her. She enjoyed volunteering her time to her children’s sports, and helping other children. Her family was her life and their care and happiness her vocation.  She was a member of the Easter Star and served as a mission usher.

 On April 3, 2017, Essie departed this earthly home and went to receive her reward from the Lord.

She is preceded in death by both parents, James F. and Mary Elizabeth Dancer; brothers, Floyd B. Dancer, Farris C. Dancer, James Dancer and Andrew Lee Dancer; sisters, Lela Mae Whitfield, Johnnie Mary Dancer, Lula Bell Dancer, and Dorothy Jean Dancer; and granddaughter, Faith Danielle Bell.

Left to cherish her memories are sons, Audwin Daniel (Leslie) Shepherd of Houston, Texas, and Lester Shepherd, Sr. of Nacogdoches, Texas; daughter, Sherecia Shepherd of Diboll, Texas; sister, Ruth Faye (Walter) Jetter of New Jersey; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Palestine, TX with Reverend Tyrone Gee Officiating. Interment: Golden Gate Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker and Walker Funeral Home of Grapeland.  To leave a message for the family go to www.walkerandwalkerfh.com

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