And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelations 2:14
Barbara Jeanette Shephard, better known as “Net” was born on March 7, 1955 in Houston, Texas to the late Mr. Jesse and Mrs. Aslee Shephard. She was the seventh child of nine children. She grew up in Hockley, Texas and attended Prairie View Training and Junior High School in Prairie View, Texas. She graduated from Waller High School in May 1973. She later attended Prairie View A&M University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education – May 1978 and a Master of Education Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1995. She was the recipient of several awards: “Who’s Who Among Young Professionals” (1988); “Exceptional Leadership Award” (1989); “Principal Award” (1989); “Lifetime Achievement Award” (2015); and “Appreciation Award” (2016).
She worked as a substitute teacher for three years at Hempstead and Houston Independent School districts, before becoming a permanent teacher at Christian Academy Elementary in Inglewood, California. After several years, she returned home and began teaching at North Forest ISD (Smiley High), Houston, where she became certified in Special Education. She later became a sixth-grade math teacher at Galena Park ISD (Cobb 6th Grade School). She retired in 2013, after 31 years of teaching. In 2021, she published a book; “The Power of God in a Testimony: A Memoir of Short Stories and Testimonies”. Many were blessed from reading many stories of testimonies, healings and deliverance.
Barbara (Net) grew up at the Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ in Hockley (later known as Jordan Memorial and currently Victorious Overcomers). She served under the pastorate of the late Supt. S. A. Jordan, late Supt. E. J. Walters, late Bishop T. G. Washington, and late Supt. Earl Nowlin) She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was filled with the Holy Ghost at Jordan Memorial Church of God in Christ under the late Supt. Earl Nowlin.
While in California Barbara (Net) joined Academy Cathedral Church, Inglewood, CA, the late Rev. Doyle Hart, Pastor. Upon returning home in 1989, she served under the late Supt. Thomas Johnson and Supt. Harold Tisdell at New Bethel Temple COGIC. Barbara (Net) has been a member of the Powerhouse Church of God In Christ for over 20 years, where she served under the pastorate of the late Supt. Robert Anderson and current Pastor Bishop Johnny Tates. She attended and served faithfully until her health began to further decline this past October 2022. In spite of her declining health, she maintained a constant love and support of her church family.
Barbara (Net) learned to make GOD her number one focal point of her life. In her early years she served as Sunday School teacher, choir member, youth worker, bible student of the word, a sharer of the word and youth involvement. Her genuine love, charisma, big hugs, and good humored fun-loving personality, and the big infectious smile has left an indelible mark upon the lives of many.
Barbara faced many challenges in life, but chose to face them all head on, walk in faith, and trust God until the end. She was a walking miracle. She was a six times cancer survivor within a ten years span. She was first diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Stage 4 in 2008; RCC in 2013; Non-Hopkins Lymphoma Cancer, Stage 4 in 2015; RCC in 2016; Breast Cancer, Stage 2 in 2016, and Breast Cancer, Stage 2 in 2017. She went through a battle with chemotherapy and radiation, but God brought her through every time. In the midst of her trials God granted her several cancer free reports. Her motto was “Always trust God in every situation that comes your way.” Her overall life has been a testament to more than we will ever know.
In her fit years, during her spare time, she loved reading, writing, traveling with family and friends, watching sport and news tv/good and Christian movies, playing video and other games with her nieces and nephews, surfing the internet and riding her bicycle.
On Friday evening, April 7, 2023, Barbara quietly and peacefully passed away to be with the Lord. She left to cherish her memories her siblings: Jesse Lee Knight, James Clarence, George Lawrence (Ruby), Robert Ennis (Ellen), Hazel O’Dee Piggee, Mildred Jean and Gloria “Globaby” Ann Carrington. Two goddaughters; Candace and Kirsten Jones (Calif.) and Two godsons; Jonathan Huelett (Fla) and Atty. David Huelett (Calif) She also leaves to mourn: nineteen nieces and nephews, twenty-two great nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.13.0