Joel Shepard

On May 11, 1953 the life of John Douglas and Freddie Mae Shepard would forever be changed. The weather was sunny and bright. Suddenly on the third floor of Bessemer General Hospital sunglasses were put on, church bells rang, and the world welcomed Joel Devon Shepard (Joe) to play center stage.
Joe was a fun-loving person to all he met. He received his formal education at Pipe Shop elementary graduating from Hueytown High School in. Living in the Pipe Shop community for most of his life, Joe loved people and people loved him. His family was the center of his life. Joe Shepard confessed a love for Christ and was baptized at an early age; 16 th Street AOH Church of God was his place of worship.
On February 7, 2019, he peacefully transitioned from his earthly life. He was preceded in death:   parents, John D. and Freddie Russell Shepard; brothers, Willie Jordan, John Tabb, John A. Shepard and Orlando P. Shepard; brother-in-law, Clifford Ray; niece, Erica LaShun Terry.
Cherishing  his memories are: son, Zack Woods; brother, Derrick (Annie) Shepard, West Highland; sisters, Mattie Ray, Gardendale, AL, Valada (Claude) Terry, Bessemer, AL, Doris Fleming, Graysville, AL and Evelyn (Clarence) Parker, Bessemer, AL; sister-in-law, Mamie Shepard, Birmingham, AL; aunt, Fannie (Larry) Holmes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.