In loving memory of Inez Shepard
Inez Shepard, a cherished member of the Mansfield community, gracefully departed this world on February 12, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on April 20, 1933, in Dublin, GA, Inez touched the lives of many through her incredible dedication and unwavering commitment to education and childcare.
After completing her education in the Dublin Georgia School System, Inez sought new horizons and relocated to Mansfield, Ohio. It was there that she began her career in the nursing field, but her true passion drew her towards nurturing and educating young minds. With boundless love for children, Inez took a leap of faith and founded the beloved Happy Time Childcare. Through her tireless efforts, she became a pillar of the community, providing a space of joy and learning for countless children.
It was clear from the start that Inez possessed a profound gift for teaching, and so she also established the Culiver Reading Center, a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering literacy and empowering young minds. Her impact and influence extended far beyond the classroom walls, shaping the lives of generations to come.
Inez would often express her gratitude to her faith and spirituality, having been raised in the church from an early age in Dublin, Georgia. She found solace and strength as a devoted member of the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, where her presence was treasured by the congregation.
Mrs. Inez Shepard was a pillar of the community. She received countless awards and served with many oranizations such as, United Way Board of Trustees, MHS Black Culture Club Hall of Fame, Community Action Program-Head Start, Mansfield City Council Program for Nurturing, Mid Ohio Educational Service “Raising NonViolent Children in a Violent World”, The Martin Luther King Jr. Award, and Black Women United.
Outside of her professional achievements, Inez found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for pottery and ceramics, using her creative spirit to mold beauty from clay. Her green thumb was evident in her beloved garden, where she nurtured vibrant flowers and tended to thriving plants. Inez’s love for gospel music was unyielding, filling her heart with melodies that lifted her spirit and touched the souls of all who listened.
Inez will forever be remembered as a dedicated educator, a devoted mother, a loving wife, and a cherished sister and friend. Her memory will be carried on by her beloved husband of 70 years, Kenneth Wayne Shepard Sr; her twin daughters, Sheila (Bryon) Reed and Sharon Shepard-Wright; her sons, Kenneth Wayne (Patricia) Shepard Jr., Charles (Charlene) Shepard, Phillip (Sandra) Duty, and Garry (Lareta) Duty; sister, Mary (Nathaniel) Carter, 20 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and 1 great great great grandchild, adopted daughter, Lillian Culliver; God Children Robbie Whitfield, Bernice White, & Don (Fella) Williams Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews and cousin and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dolphus Wright and Dora (Waters) Wright and her brothers Willie, Robert, Sylvester, Jimmy, and Ralph Wright and sisters, Leona Erwin-Coleman, Eldora Flucker and Rose Wright.
Visitation 10:00am and Home Going Service 11:00am Thursday , February 22, 2024, at at the Maddox Memorial COGIC, 1148 Walker Lake Rd. Inez will be laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park.
In this time of grief, let us remember Inez Shepard as an extraordinary woman: a beacon of light, a guiding force, and a source of inspiration. May her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.
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My condolences and prayers to the family.
To the Shepard Family-May God bless and keep you during this difficult time. Mrs. Shepard was a pillar of the North End community in Mansfield and will never be forgotten. She and the staff of Happy Time Daycare were a blessing to many children including me and my son. She has earned a place in Heaven and a well deserved rest.
My sincere condolences to the family. May God continue to give you the strength and peace needed during this time. My prayers are with you.
Rest in peace my kids went to her daycare lovely lady
So sorry for your lost. Sending our Condolences to the Family.
Sending prayers of comfort and condolences to the Shepard Family.
I am sorry about your lost Mrs Shepard is going to be missed
My sincere condolences to the Shepard family. She was truly an amazing woman.
My deepest sympathy to the Shepherd family.
Prayers Love And Condolences. May She Rest In Heavenly Peace.
So sorry for your loss she was great leader in the community
Our deepest sympathy to the Shepard family.
Inez a great lady and will be missed.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mrs. Shepherd, you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Shepherd was a wonderful woman, with a beautiful personality, she was kind, sweet, and caring. She is loved by many and will truly be missed, and certainly never forgotten, because her legend will live on forever.
Our most heartfelt sympathy and condolences are extended to the entire Shepherd family. Mrs. Shepherd was a very kind and gentle woman, always meeting you with the most pleasant smile. She was truly a pillar in the North End Community. We will continue to keep each of you in our prayers.
Jean, Elaine, Burke Jr, Clarence & Carmen
I am sending my deepest condolences to the Shepard family and praying for your comfort and peace.
Mrs. Shepard was an amazing woman, a leader, motivator and was very special to me. I honestly cannot express the impact she had on my life and the lives of others. She will truly be missed ❤️
I will always remember Mrs. Sheppard and my time at her daycare center. She was so loving and sweet. May the arms of the Lord comfort you all and bring peace the surpasses all understanding.
My deepest sympathies to the Shepherd family. May you rest in peace Mrs. Shepherd.
My deepest sympathies to the Shepherd family. Many children benefited from the love and protection her daycare gave! May you rest in peace Mrs. Shepherd.
Mrs. Shepard will be truly missed. Happy Time Childcare was part of my neighborhood growing up and my grandchildren was part of the love and attention given by Mrs. Shepard and Gloria along with other staff. My family is sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family Mr. Shepard, Sheila, Sharon, and Kenny at this time.
Dorothy Reuer, Cathy Taylor Davison and Tammy Taylor de Chabert.
Sending my Heartfelt Condolences to Ms. Shepard entire family. I have so many memories of the special impact she made to our family and the north end community lives.
R. I. P. Ms. Inez Shepard ❤️
Beautiful legacy❤️. May God continue to bless the family in Jesus Name, Amen
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sharing in your sadness and praying for you during this difficult time. I have such great time being a Happy Time Childcare! Mrs. Shepard was such a Beautiful Lady, praying for the whole family!
Praying for the Family. Ms. Sheppard was an amazing woman;she will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers.
Thanks for helping me raise my children Mrs. Shepard. ❤️
Mother Sheppard was a true soldier for her God, her Family and Community. Her legacy will never be forgotten by all the people and Families she has serve throughout the many years. Take your deserve rest Mother! You will be miss.
Such a Beautiful Soul and an enormous blessing throughout the Mansfield Community, to have touched and inspired so many individuals lives. To her family, I want to Thank you for sharing her with Us.
Sending my deepest condolences on Behalf of the numerous generations within my own family.
Tammy Oglesby Macklin..
I am sending my love for my family and those close to granny. I am deeply sorry that I cannot attend the funeral but I wish you all comfort and peace. I’m glad I got to you see one last time during the summer. You’re truly a phenomenal woman! Thank you for carrying your family with love and care. I love you granny❤️ Rest in love and Peace!
So sorry for your loss a beautiful wonderful sweet lady that everyone love. I am praying for your family.And sweet heart.Rest In Heaven.In The Name of Jesus Amen and Amen and Amen Again.
To The Shepherd Family, I’m so very sorry for the loss of Ms. Shepherd, she was a wonderful, and caring lady, I know she will be missed, she was an amazing lady. You have my condolences.
Condolence to Dad Shepard and the Shepard family. I had heard about Mother Inez; but I never met her until she started attending Faith Temple Church; that is when I came to know of this sweet spirited woman; she shall forever remain in my heart. The peace of God shall comfort you all during this time of transition; that is my prayer.
What a great legacy Mrs. Shepard leaves behind for the next generation of educators and mentors. Thank you for the joy you gave to the community. My condolences to the entire family.
Sincere Condolence to the Sherphard
Family. She will certainly be missed.
So many of our relatives went to her
Child care and was reading before the went to kinder Garten.
She was a woman of God..
Brenda, Jacqueline, Mellissa
My Sincere Condolences and Prayers to the Family.
Garnetta Pender and Family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I echo the sentiments of all the other encouraging and supportive words said to the family. A remarkable lady who touched the lives of so many including me and my family for many years. May your wonderful memories stay lodged in your hearts and minds to comfort you going forward through this difficult trial. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blacks from Harker Street
My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the Shepard family. Mrs. Shepard cared for nurtured and educated many children in the Mansfield community. Her dedication to ensuring that every child would be prepared for the classroom is one of her many attributes I will always remember. Take your rest Mrs. Shepard! I’m sure you have a crown in GLORY.
Sharon your family at Prospect Airport Services has you and your family in our prayers, we all feel sorry for your lose of your lovely mother
My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the Shepard family. Mrs Shepard cared for nurtured and educated many children in the Mansfield community. Her dedication to ensuring that every child would be prepared for the classroom is one of her many attributes I will always remember. Take your rest Mrs Shepard. I know you have a crown in GLORY!
My sincere condolences and prayers to the families of Inez Shepard. Inez was a pillar in the North Side community. Some of my grandchildren went to Happy Time Day Care and Culliver Reading Center. I will also miss Inez from going to Banquets with her and Kenneth and dinner together after church. Inez will be missed by many in the community. May God bless and keep the family at this time of sorrow.
Our sincere condolences to the Shepard family.
My prayers and condolences to the family. Mrs Shepherd touch everybody in Mansfield in some kinda of way,she will be missed.
What a beautiful soul she was a great and outstanding woman. My condolences to the families a true I on that will be greatly missed by all.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the Shepard family. The Leech family has been long time friends and employees to the Shepherds Chid Care Center. A great loss to the Mansfield Community. My heart and prayers go out to my classmates Shelia & Sharon and their family.
Our sincere condolences to the Shepherd family. So grateful for Mrs. Shepherd . She took so great care of our kids when they was pre-school. Thank you . You will be greatly missed.
What a Gem and Wonderful Lady. My Sincere Sympathy. May your memories help to sustain you forever.
My deepest sympathy to the family. May she rest in peace
Our sincere love and condolences to the Shepard family for their loss of such a beautiful person and a friend to all. Our family was blessed to know her.
To the Shepard family, we send sincere condolences and our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the Lord. Mrs. Shepard was an inspiration to the youth of our community ❤️
Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.
Candy and Lance
Rest on Mrs Shepherd for you have touch my children in many way that they will carry with them for the rest of their days. I send my deepest condolence to your entire family Love always
Sending prayers for comfort and peace to the Shepard family. Mrs. Shepherd, thank you for being a gift to the community of Mansfield and for assisting with preparing my son for his future. ️️
My condolences and prayers go out to the Shepherd.
A wonderful lady that inspired so many. Her love for community & spirituality inspired all who knew her. May the Grace of God bless this family & Kenny the strength to continue his teaching of the Gospel.
My condolences and prayers of comfort go out to the family of Mrs. Shepherd. Mrs. Shepherd was a beacon of light to the Mansfield community at large, but especially for the Black women(young and old).
Her love, kindness and integrity will forever be ingrained in my memory.
Rest well, Mrs. Shepherd.
My sincere condolences to Sheppard Family,thank you so very much for sharing Mrs. SHEPPARD thru the years. All the children that was in her care she gave the best education which prepared them for school. And for that you will be missed forevermore. Rest on in heavenly peace!
We send our love and prayers of comfort to the Shepard family. When we moved on Harker St. we was blessed to be across the street from Mr. & Mrs. Shepard and his family. Neighbors and friends. Mrs. Shepard will be sorely missed.
LaVerne, Bruce, Edward, Marie, Brian & Gloria
Sending condolences and prayers to the Shepard family as the endureth this difficult time .Keep Looking to the Hills from whence all your help comes from..♥️
To the Family of Mrs. Inez Shepard,
Mrs. Shepard was a beautiful asset to our community. and she will be missed. What a wonderful blessing to our families and our children, Mrs. Shepard did by educating them and instilling into them family values. Take care and God will see you all through and knowing what an important contribution that she made for all of us!
With Love,
Ruthie Johnson and Family
Sending my deepest condolence to the Shepard family , may you find peace and comfort your time of grief.
My hear goes out to the Shepherd family Will continue to daily pray for each of you.
Condolence to the Shepard Family
Mrs Shepard was very Bless and Highly Favored by All she came in contact with. She will be sorely missed.
She left a legacy of her Love. Mrs Shepard Thank you!
Love, The Jones & Burke Family
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
My condolences to the entire Shepherd family. Mrs Shepherd was a shining light in the community.my daughter had the opportunity to be under her teaching @ Happy Time Day Care, that was a jump start to her education. Today, she is a successful young lady, because of Mrs Inez Shepherd. We are praying for the family
Mrs. Shepard. Such a beautiful spirit. She took my daughter in her care at a time when I really needed her and gave her love through her daycare services. To this day she highly respected Mrs. Shepard and remember her young years in her care. We love you. Rest in Heaven. May GOD bless your family. They are definitely in our prayers.
My sincerest condolences to the Shepard family and loved ones. Mrs. Shepard accepted my son and grandson into the Happy Time community during their temporary stay in Ohio for the summer months. She had a great impact on them both, during the time they spent with her. They loved their time with her and the Happy Time Family. Her love, compassion, patience, and positive influence will be missed!.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Kenneth and the Shepard Family. Mrs. Shepard, gave me my first job as Program Manger for the After School Program, when I relocated to Mansfield. She provided me with love, training, and meeting people in the city. Her firmness and corrections were always given with love and support. May God comfort the family with all her memories .
My deepest condolences to Mr. Kenneth and the Shepard Family. Mrs. Shepard, gave me my first job as Program Manger for the After School Program, when I relocated to Mansfield. She provided me with love, training, and meeting people in the city. Her firmness and corrections were always given with love and support. May God comfort the family with all her memories .
My Condolences to the family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Inez was a beautiful, kind-hearted and loving lady. It was a pleasure to work with her by recruiting volunteers through RSVP to help at the Culliver Reading Center. She had a wonderful sense of humor and I loved to hear her laughter. She was an inspiration to many youth and her zest for education and the mentoring of young minds will live on by those she helped along the way. May God give all of you strength and peace in the days ahead.
To the Shepherd Family,
To attempt to encapsulate the impact and legacy of Mrs. Shepherd, while containing the sorrow of this moment is too much for our collective hearts. Allow me to express both condolence and humble gratitude to the family for sharing her with us all.
My prayers and condolences to the family.
We are thankful for Mrs. Shepard and Happy Time Childcare.
The Curry Family
My condolences to the family ❤️
Mrs Shepard was so kind and patient! She SPOILED my daughter, Tilo. Mrs Shepard would be home or out, in the community, and Tilo would cry for “MY MS PEPPER” (as she affectionately called her). Mrs Shepard would go right into the daycare, EVERY TIME, to hold her…. I loved how she loved on my baby. You will be greatly missed
My sincerest condolences to the family of Mrs. Shepard. I am so honored to have been a student of the Happy Time Childcare Center. I have so many wonderful memories, held onto life lessons and maintained friendships through the years.
Thank you Shepard family, for sharing Mrs. Shepard with the community.
May God bless & comfort each of you.
Condolences to the Shepard Family. I so enjoyed working with Mrs. Shepard “back in the day”. She was the respected elder in the neighborhood with one goal, to advocate for all children. Happy Time Child Care was a beacon of hope for many working families who knew they could trust her to care for their children. Mrs. Shepard provided more than care and safety, she insisted on early learning opportunities.
There was nobody like Mrs. Shepard!
God Rest your sole, Inez.
Our condolences to the entire family. I remember when my youngest son was 2, now 26 and Mrs. Shephard saw me struggling she dropped the daycare fee to barely nothing. She has been a pillar for this community and loved by everyone. Our families have been together on Harker for more than 30 years. She has been and will be forever missed. We love you Mrs. Shephard. Gone but NEVER forgotten ❤️
Shiela Elder “Punkie”
Chris Elder, And Family.
My condolences to the Family
The impact that Ms Shepard had on the lives of so many will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences and prayers to the family. May your precious memories comfort you in the days ahead. God bless.
My condolences to the family of Mrs Shepherd. She was an early part of my oldest son’s life. Many years later when I would see her, she always asked how he was doing. Later two of my kids went there and I’ll always be greatfull for her. RIP
.
Condolences to the family.I remember going to her daycare as a kid.RIP Mrs Shepard
On behalf of Finley Shepherd and family (brother in law) our prayers are for Kenneth and family. We pray God will continue to be with the family and keep them strong during these difficult times.
Love you all