Mrs. Joyce A. Sheppard

November 2, 1947 - March 7, 2020

Sheppard, Mrs. Joyce A. Saginaw, Michigan Joyce passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at the age of 72 years. Joyce Ann (Tessin) Sheppard was born on November 2, 1947, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Alvin and Grace (Phillips) Tessin. She was brought into God's kingdom through baptism at St. John Lutheran Church, Hemlock on January 4, 1948. She was confirmed, also at St. John, on May 1, 1961. Joyce was married to Gilbert O. Sheppard on November 2, 1968. Prior to her retirement, Joyce had worked for Ma-Bell as an operator, and had also worked with her husband in his vacuum business until 2012. She was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, Saginaw (Shields). Joyce is survived by her husband of 51 years, Gilbert; her son and his wife, Pastor Michael (Susan) Sheppard of Ripon, WI; and her daughter and her husband, Jennifer (John) Henderson of Yuma, AZ. She is also survived by one brother, Bill Tessin; sisters Vivian (Ken) Nesbit, Marilyn (Larry) Fritz, and Sandy (Karl) Knoblock; and many other extended family members and dear friends. Joyce was predeceased by two infant children, Gilbert Sheppard Jr. and Ginger Lynn Sheppard; her parents, Alvin and Grace Tessin; and a grandnephew, Joshua Huggard; brother-in-law, Paul Burgess, Jr. The Celebration of Joyce’s Eternal Life will begin with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Christ Lutheran Church, 8795 Ederer Road in Shields. The Rev. Joshua Becker will officiate the funeral and committal services beginning at 11:00 a.m. In accordance with family wishes, cremation will follow her services. Joyce's remains will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their love and sympathies may consider memorial contributions to Christ Lutheran Church. Memories and sympathies of Joyce may be shared with the family on her memorial website at WakemanFuneralHome.com