Grace Shepard

Grace M. Shepard VIRGINIA BEACH - On Aug. 11, 2009, Grace M. Shepard was called home to her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, in 1921 to William Noah and Eva M. Culpepper. Grace was a lifelong resident of Hampton Roads and a member of Fairview Church of Christ in Chesapeake since 1978. She was predeceased by her husband, Lee Roy Shepard; her daughter, Nancy Bivens Hanvey; and her son, William Vance Shepard. She is survived by five children, Marie Milburn (Dan) of Cambridge, Ohio, Jane Caler (Don) of Chesapeake, Betty Treece of Christiansburg, Va., Denise Weast (Charlie) of Shreveport, La., and Tom Shepard (Teresa) of Chesapeake; her sisters, Virginia Fulcher (Marvin) of Barco, N.C., and Amanda Drew (Melvin) of Virginia Beach; and her special sister in Christ, Elsie Everett (Bud) of Chesapeake. She is leaving in God's care 17 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. Grace loved serving in her church where she organized the church greeters and was lovingly involved in the prayer chain ministry and the ladies aide group. Grace always had a hug and an "I love you" for everyone she met. She enjoyed watching and listening to gospel music on T.V. Grace would talk with anyone about the Lord and will always be remembered as a sweet, loving Christian, sharing the love of Jesus Christ with anyone. To those who knew and loved her, she will always be remembered as "Amazing Grace." She also loved bird watching, reading her Bible, and watching western movies. A funeral will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. in Fairview Church of Christ, Chesapeake. The burial will follow in Riverside Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel, Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.