Mary Louise Shepard

Mary Louise Shepard “Sista” was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother who passed from this life on December 8, 2024. Mary, the daughter of Lawrence and Irene Bias was born in Lake Charles, LA on January 23, 1934. Mary was the only girl of five children. Her siblings are James, Louis, William and Thomas. She attended schools in the Houston Independent School District.

Mary moved to Houston, Texas at the age of two with her family. In 1950 she married Jessie Lee Shepard and they were blessed with eight children, Joan, Jesse Charles, Walter Lee, Vivian Darlene, Lawanda Carol, Reginald Eugene, Cassandra Kaye and Harold Wayne. Mary was a homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family. She loved cooking (pinto beans) and enjoyed time with family and her 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Irene Bias; husband, Jesse Lee Shepard and her sons, Walter and Jesse Charles Shepard.

She leaves to mourn her loss: loving children, Joan (David), Vivian (Don), Lawanda (Craig), Cassandra, Reginald and Harold; as well as a host of family and friends.

Mary was a faithful member of Reunion Missionary Baptist Church. She attended worship services and was a usher for years. Mary served faithfully in the church until her health no longer permitted her to do so.

A visitation for Mary will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Reunion Missionary Baptist Church, 7300 Wheatley St, Houston, TX 77088. The funeral service will immediately follow from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 7300 Wheatley St, Houston, TX 77088. The committal will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.