Armilda Jean Sheppard's Obituary
Decatur-Armilda Jean Sheppard, 87, a life long resident of Decatur, passed away at 6:23 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2010 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services to celebrate Jean's life will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Graceland Cemetery. Interment with 'Flight Home' Ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Jean was born September 14, 1923 in Decatur the daughter of Lloyd F. and Nelle (Matheny) Mann. Jean worked for decades in downtown Decatur stores. She started as a teenager at the Dixie Shop, worked on a line at Borg Warner, and then she clerked or managed departments at Linn & Scruggs Co., Meyers Brothers, and H. Post & Son Jewelers. Most recently she worked at Haines & Essick Co. Her customers were her friends. She enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. Her generosity was known by her family and friends. She loved shopping for birthdays, anniversaries, and especially Christmas. Jean married Forrest L. Coleman on November 22, 1947. He preceded her in death. Later she married Gerald Sheppard on February 13, 1971. Jean and Jerry were active members of BPOE Post 401. They tirelessly raised funds for the Crippled Children's and Veteran's Home in Quincy.
She leaves behind her husband Jerry, children; Forrest L. Coleman and wife Verna of Decatur, Evelyn Coleman and significant other Dan Martin of Decatur, and Judy Bullock Tatham and husband Vern of Fountain Hills, Arizona, grandchildren; Kristopher Coleman of Decatur, Kimberly Brockman and husband Clay of Normal, Tom Tatham and wife Erin of Decatur, and Mike Tatham of Scottsdale, Arizona, and great-grandchildren; Kenley Brockman of Normal, and Sam and Chloe Tatham of Decatur.
She was reunited in Heaven with her parents, and brother, John 'Bud' Mann.
The family would like to give a special thanks to DMH Hospice, nurses and staff on floor 4100 at DMH, and the staff at McKinley Court.
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