On February 16, 2022, our Heavenly Father called home his faithful servant.

"WELL DONE, RODNEY!"

Rodney "Rod" Edward Shepard was born February 26, 1946 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to the late Alonzo Hamilton (birth father) and Larsetta Myers Shepard. Rodney was adopted and raised by Reverend Clodean Shepard, his name officially changed to Rodney Edward Shepard in 1952.

Rodney's parents moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1952. He attended Cass Technical High School, graduating in 1964. Rodney later attended Michigan State University, choosing to settle in the Lansing area where he raised his family. Rodney worked for Xerox Corporation for over 30 years before retiring in 2002.

Rodney met his queen, Geraldine "Geri" Barr, in the 6 th grade at Boynton Middle School in SW Detroit in 1957. Rodney and Geri married in 1968 and loved each other for 51 years. To this union was born two sons, Rodney II and Anthony.

Rodney accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior early in his life. He was a devout Christian evident by his service in support of the Church. Rodney joined Fews Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church in 1956. Later, in 1972, he joined Mask Memorial CME Church. Rodney served the CME church on many committees and boards at the local, district, and annual conferences. In fact, he served at Mask Memorial as chairman of the Steward Board for over 50 years. As a first-time delegate in 1974, he represented the 3 rd Episcopal District at the General Conference and continued to do so for the next 40 years.

Rodney leaves to cherish his loving memory, a larger than life family, including: his two sons, Rodney II (Chenyqua) and Anthony (Christine); ten grandchildren, Ashley Harris (Antoine), Rodney III, Wesley, Victoria, Olivia, Amelia, Benjamin, and Julia Shepard, Hampton and Rebecca Perry; two great grandchildren, Adrian and Aiden Harris; his sisters, Susan Hodge (Derrick), Lisa Winters (Vernon), Debbie Blanchard; his brothers, Michael Shepard and Shaun Hamilton; his aunt, Marva Shepard; and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and loved ones. He will truly be missed by all.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9)

Until we meet again.

A rrangements for Mr. Shepard are as follows: