Author James Shepherd (83) was the second born to the parentage of Jessie Bell Johnson Shepherd and RL Shepherd on June 17, 1936, in Grapeland, TX.
AJ was raised in Grapeland, Texas and educated at W.R. Banks. As an adult, he moved to Houston, Texas with his wife, Essie Shepherd, and started their life.
AJ worked many jobs in Houston: Watkin, A&P, and Cameron Iron, which later united with Cooper, to support his family. While living in Houston he was a diligent member of New Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Choir Member.
After he retired he headed home to Grapeland where he built his dream park, AJ’s Park of Grapeland, TX. He enjoyed hearing the children’s laughter and watching them play in the park from his backyard.
AJ was a member of Rising Star Baptist Church for several years before uniting with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Palestine, TX.
AJ was a hardworking man who enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family and grandkids.
AJ departed his earthly home on Thursday, September 26, 2019. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He has preceded in death his wife Essie Pearl Shepherd; both parents Jessie Bell Johnson Shepherd and RL Shepherd; granddaughter Faith Danielle Bell; brothers James L. Shepherd, Charles Shepherd, and Terrell Shepherd.
Left to cherish his memories are sons, Audwin Daniel (Leslie) Shepherd of Houston, Texas, and Lester Shepherd, Sr. of Houston, Texas; daughter, Sherecia Ann Shepherd of Lufkin, Texas; brothers Edward (Gloretha) Shepherd, Willie Faye Dale Shepherd, and Winford Shepherd, all of Grapeland, Texas; sisters Barbara Nell Franklin, Houston, Texas and Wanda Faye Black, Grapeland, TX; six (6) grandchildren Brittney, Lesly, Lester Jr. Destiny, Breona, and Muzainie; six (6) greatgrandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation: Walker & Walker Friday, October 4, 2019 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Service: Rising Star Baptist Church Saturday, October 5, 2019 11:00 AM
Interment: Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, TX