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Matilda Shepard Obituary
Age 82, went to be with the Lord on April 1, 2011. Matilda was born March 26, 1929 in Stratford, OK. She was the oldest of 4 children, born to Reuben and Hattie Lairson. The family moved to Phoenix when Matilda was a senior in high school. Matilda married Elbert John Shepard on June 1, 1947. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Lairson and her husband of 62 years (7/27/08). She is survived by their 4 children: Dwayne (Luci), Deborah (Don) Diller, Diane (Wendell) Gist, and Deeon; sister, Bea Casselman; brother, Bob Lairson; 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless extended family and friends. Matilda and Elbert were members of Northgate Church of Christ. Matilda will always be remembered by her unconditional love for family and all she met. Visitation will be 5-8 PM, Wednesday, April 6 at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, April 7 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery, Glendale. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Copper Basin Bible Camp or Hospice of the Valley. Condolences may be offered at www.chapelofthechimesmortuary.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Matilda Shepard
Donna McNeely
April 30, 2011
My sympathy to Matilda's family and friends. I was not fortunate to have met her in person, but I know how wonderful a person she was and how much she is missed from hearing Deeon and Craig speak about her. What a blessing to have such a loving mom. Rest in peace, Matilda.
Diane Myers Gilmore
April 21, 2011
Matilda had one of the sweetest faces I have ever seen. It's the face of an Angel. My children remember her as the best smelling house and how come our house did'nt smell like that. Elbert and Matilda, Thanks for the Memories.
KELLY BOMAR
April 7, 2011
The Shepard family has been a permanent fixture in my life. I love you all. I will Miss Matilda. What a gracious person. Words cannot express the feelings I have Matilda & Elbert. Such precious children of god & they always let their light shine. An inspiration to me & my family.
April 7, 2011
Aunt Tillie was one of the kindest and most loving Aunt's anyone could have. She and Uncle Elbert were allways there when you needed them with a big hug, kind words, and a prayer. Dwayne,Debbie,Diane,and Deeon, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and give you comfort. Love Eddie and Charlene
April 6, 2011
To a wonderful family. Matilda will be missed greatly,,,but she is out pain now and with her wonderful husband Elbert. May God continue to be with all of you. Love ya, Christina Cooper (Persons)
Lindsay Higginbotham
April 6, 2011
Aunt Tillie is going to be greatly missed. She truly was the embodiment of love and is very loved.
Cherryl Babbitt
April 6, 2011
Dear folks,
I loved Matalda from the minute I met her several year ago. She was SUCH a precious person. I'm praying for you all.
April 6, 2011
Diane and Deeon,
Mom and I were so very sorry to hear about your Mom. We remember her with great fondness from when we wll went to church at Northwest. We know that she is now free from all of the problems of this earth. Out thoughts and prayers are with you at this tome.
In Chistian Love,
Sue and Ann Harty
Jo Ramsey
April 6, 2011
Deeon and Craig - I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Cindy Stahl
April 5, 2011
Aunt Tillie,
Thank-you for your unconditional love. You will be very much missed.
April 5, 2011
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Matilda. She was such a sweet quiet spirit - always involved with children and young people in so many ways. I have many wonderful memories of her! God bless you with peace and comfort at this time of loss. Nancy Brown
Don and Georgia Evans
April 5, 2011
There was great rejoicing in Heaven as Matilda entered!
We will always thank the Lord for bringing Matilda into our lives many
years ago.
She was always so loving and hospitable to us as we entered her home when
we were included to enjoy delicious meals with her and the family
celebrating holidays together.
She and Elbert were reflections of the Lord Jesus to their family and
friends.
She will be greatly missed by us and all who knew her.
Dr. & Mrs. Donald Evans
Susan Shelton
April 5, 2011
Matilda Shepard was one of the kindest and warmest woman I have known. She was a wonderful wife and mother and a person whose warmth and kindness was like a bright light shinning all the time-you will be missed but Elbert will be glad to have you home.
Robin Bisbing
April 4, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Craig Bailey
April 4, 2011
Today we remember Matilda died ~
FOREVER WE'LL REMEMBER SHE LIVED!!
Craig
Deb and Joe Dillon
April 4, 2011
Dwayne, Debbie, Diane and Deeon,
Matilda Marie was such a special person, always giving of herself and caring about others. May you find comfort, love and support from each other and all the family members that she was so proud of. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Tena (Mills) Alonzo
April 3, 2011
To Matilda's family-
Miss Matilda influenced my life immensely. For years I watched as she demonstrated the true meaning of kindness and Christian living. She will remain an example of what I aspire to be and I am forever grateful for her.
April 3, 2011
Matilda,
I am forever grateful that you made me feel so good about myself. You are still an inspiration to me. You will always be in my memories as an awesome lady.
;*) Henriette
7 days without prayer makes one weak
Deeon Shepard
April 3, 2011
Mom,
I heard it said that your legacy is not what you left to someone but what you left IN someone. I will miss you and Dad forever, but know that you left yourself and your love and caring IN every one you came in contact with. Your legacy will live on!
Love your "Little Man"
April 3, 2011
Matilda
You are are going to be missed dearly. You were always a friend to everyone. I looked forward to seeing your big bright simle every Sunday.
sara Gildenmeister
Jerry Giesenhagen
April 3, 2011
A well dignified women of God, touched so many in her lifetime. May the Lord bless the family of this dignifiew women of God Matilda Shepherd.
Craig Bailey
April 3, 2011
Matilda,
When you introduced me to people as your “adopted son” it made me feel proud. I always appreciated your unconditional love – I will miss you always. You were such a special lady.
Craig
Deeon Shepard
April 3, 2011
Mom
You were always there for me growing up, and although you may not physically be here any longer, you will always be with me in my heart. I miss you and Dad but know you both are in heaven.
Love Deeon
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