Deborah Jean Sheppard

Deborah Jean Sheppard, 59, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 19, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 8, 1962, in Osceola, Arkansas to Deloris (Peoples) Lee and McILwraith (Veronica) Peoples, who survive her.

Deborah is also survived by her sons, Davon Williams and Trayvon Sheppard; grandchild, Laelynn Grace Sheppard; brother, Maurice Peoples; sisters, Marjorie (Eddie Tyes) Peoples, Christina (Jerale) Shepherd, Melissa (Brian) Bates Dandridge, Keshia Bates, Angela Bates, Shanida Lee, and Tisha Pulluaim all of Elkhart; sisters-in-law, Renee Henderson and Marjorie Williams; and special family members and friends; special niece, Alyssa King; Annete Porter, Tracy Sheppard, Willie Bonner, and Louise Frasier.

Deborah is preceded in death by her sister, Doris Conyers Sales; grandmother, Rosie Palmer; stepfather, Alford Lee; and special aunt, Stella Mitchell.

Visitation for Deborah will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St, Elkhart. A homegoing service will then begin at 10:30 AM with burial to follow at Prairie Street Cemetery. Pastor Dwayne Williams Sr. will be officiating Deborah’s services.

Deborah graduated from Elkhart Central High School and went on to own and operate two businesses of her own: Little Debbie’s World of Colorz Day Care Center and Little Debbie’s Cleaning Service.

Deborah was a loving mother who actively participated in her children’s lives as they grew up. She enjoyed spending time with her family, as family meant everything to her, and loved children dearly. She also enjoyed talking to those in her family, having many memorable conversations with those close to her. Deborah also attended multiple churches throughout her life, giving her the chance to branch out and meet new people in the community.

Deborah had her famous one-liner, a spirited “Hello!”, that would follow a sentence that was profound, interesting, and spoke the truth for her. Deborah, along with her beloved “Hello!”, will be dearly missed by those whose hearts she touched throughout her life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah Jean Sheppard, please visit our floral store.