Ermal Jean Shepard

Graveside services for Ermal Jean Shepard, 85, of Lawrence, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Oak Hill Cemetery. Funeral procession will begin at 10:30 am from Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Ermal passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at North Care Hospice House in N. Kansas City, MO.

Ermal was born on July 4, 1937, in Merriam, KS, the daughter of Howard Montgomery and Ruth Isabell (James) Estelle.

She married Donald Shepard on October 18, 1957, in Lawrence, KS. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include her children, Julie D. Lane, Charles E. Shepard (Lissa), siblings, Karlene (Curtis) Moore, Norman “Tony” (Jessie) Estelle, Loretta Carraher, Lynn Estelle, grandchildren, Jessica Y. Colon, Catherine Shepard, Jolie Shepard, Caleb Shepard, Colin Shepard, great-grandson, Jordan A. Colon, brother-in laws, Steven C. (Ruth) Shepard, William H. (Alecenia) Shepard, and sister-in laws, Cleo J. (Greg) Jackson, and Mary Shepard.

Ermal was preceded in death by her siblings, Howard M. Estelle Jr., Everett Estelle,
Kenneth Estelle, Beverly M. King, grandson, Enrique A. Colon III, brother-in law, James R.
Shepard, son-in-law, Gilbert H. Lane, Jr.

Ermal Shepard retired from Bard Biomedical, where she spent her professional career. In her personal time, Ermal’s love was her family, church and cooking. She spent years as a member of the church choir and a Sunday school teacher. Ermal later served as a stewardess of the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ermal’s name to St. Luke AME Church and may be sent
in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.