Barbara (Perkins) Shepherd

Barbara Jean Shepherd, known to family and friends as “Bobbie Jean,” was born March 5th, 1949 in Blue Creek, Alabama, she was the fourth of ten children, to the union of the late Willie L. Perkins, Sr. and Ethel Mae Kennedy.  Bobbie Jean went to be with the Lord in the evening of May 4th, 2023.

Bobbie Jean was baptized as a child at Living Green Baptist Church, She was a devoted woman of God. She married William known to family and friends as “Brother”/”Willie” on June 3rd, 1968. In this union was born a daughter, Dr. Yolanda Shepherd-Coleman. 

Barbara Jean worked at General Motors, then went into health care where she was able to pursue her passion for cooking and taking care of others. She was affectionately known to be a caregiver and had a heart open to many she loved and met along her life's journey.  She had been a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for over 55 years.  Bobbie Jean and Willie would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on June 3rd, 2023. 

Barbara is survived by her husband: Willie (William) Shepherd; daughter: Dr. Yolanda Shepherd-Coleman (Darryl); grandson: Preston; sisters: Bernice (Charles) Amos, and Betty (Maurice) Duncan, and her brothers: David Perkins and Tony Perkins, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents: Willie and Ethel Perkins; four brothers: Willie Jr. (Fannie), Bennie Sr. (Sarah), Terry Perkins, Leroy Perkins, and one sister: Dorothy (Joseph) Love.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 18101 West Oak Avenue in Lockport. Minister Leroy Campbell will be officiating the service. Interment will follow services and Barbara will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet.

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