Ollie Mae Shepard
APPALACHIA, Va. — Ms. Ollie Mae “Runt” Fletcher Shepard, 91, passed away Sunday (Nov. 9, 2014) at her daughter’s home in St. Louis, Mo.
She was a member and also treasurer of the Macedonia Baptist Church in Appalachia, Va. and the Women’s Mission Club. Ms. Ollie Mae transferred her membership from the Macedonia Baptist Church in Appalachia, Va. to Heaven. She joined the “great cloud of witnesses” and is resting in the arms of her Savior. Rest in peace Ms. Ollie Mae and thank you for the memories.
She was formerly a member of the Democratic Women’s Club and was employed at the Appalachia Elementary School before retirement. She loved to dance, draw, water paint, laugh, and dress. She found joy in taking care of her family and others.
Ollie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Frank Shepard, Sr.; daughter, Shirley Ann Shepard; brothers, Thomas Fletcher, Milton Fletcher, Sidney Fletcher and Neverlin Fletcher.
She leaves to mourn, her children, Delories F. Hollinger of Atlanta, Ga., Mildred Anderson of St. Louis Mo., Willie Frank Shepard, Jr. of Kingsport,Tenn., Juanita Shepard of Appalachia, Va., Carolyn Shepard of Appalachia, Va., Vicky L. McCoo and husband Brisco of Big Stone Gap, Va.; her brother, Willie Harris of Norton, Va., also survives her. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren; and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren. Ms. Shepard was also instrumental in raising Elder Carolyn Smith, Diane, Eddie, and Chris Ossea.
The family will receive friends, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, Va .
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Ronnie Collins officiating.
Graveside services will follow the funeral ceremony at noon in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap, Va. Family and friends will be pallbearers. Gilliam Funeral Home, Big Stone Gap, Va. is honored to serve the Shepard family. You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at www.gilliamfuneralhome.com
