Joyce Elaine Shepard

August 28, 1957 - February 11, 2021

She went into the arms of the Lord surrounded by her family on February 11, 2021. Joyce E. Shepard affectionately known as “Fruitsy” was born August 28,1957, to the late Mary Jean and Sonnie Johnson, in Andalusia, Alabama. Joyce was a strong-willed person. In turn made her love even stronger. She was so beautiful; words cannot fully describe her. She loved the Lord, and she loved her whole family even stronger no matter what. She was one of the best cooks. She was a wonderful mother and homemaker who worked just as hard outside of the home. She frequently enjoyed sitting on a bank to fish. She was a die-hard University of Alabama supporter "Roll Tide’. She was a softball champion and an avid bowler. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, gardening, listening to music, laughing and having fun with family and friends. She was unapologetic about enjoying her life. Her life and memory will forever be cherished by her loving and devoted husband, Aubrey Shepard who she was united in Holy Matrimony on August 1, 1977. To this union two children were born, Antonio Shepard and LaToya Shepard; sisters, Sonya (Oscar) McAdory and Brenda (Marshall) Johnson; brothers, Robert (Pat) Shakespeare and Bernard (Mary) Stallworth; seven grandchildren; a great grandchild; a host of uncle’s, aunt’s, nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, childhood friends and special friends, Iris Dillion, Mardell Davison, and George Crawford. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jean Johnson; father, Sonny Johnson; brother, Bobby Ray Johnson; sisters, Diane and Mamie Lou Johnson. Special thanks, to the DaVita Mid-Ohio Dialysis Center, Timberland Ridge Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic-Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center, Barry Lawrence, Edward Small of Small’s Funeral Services, and all the medical professionals who provided compassionate care skilled to our loved one. The services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 11 a.m., with one-hour prior calling to the services at Small’s Funeral Services, 326 Park Ave. W., with Elder Barry Lawrence officiating, Social Distancing will be hereto. Send all condolences to Latoya Shepard, PO Box 83014, Columbus, Ohio 43203 The family has entrusted Small’s Funeral Services with the arrangements.