Mother Bernice Jones Sheppard, a blessing for 95 years, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from Muskogee.

Arriving in Rentiesville, Oklahoma on April 24, 1915, a beautiful, baby girl from the loving union of Franklin and Aplis (Hill) Jones was named Bernice Jones.

Bernice grew up in Rentiesville, where she attended Rentiesville Public School. While yet at a young age, she accepted Christ under the leadership of the late Reverend N. A. Robinson.

After reaching adulthood, she moved to Dallas, Texas, where she later married Bishop Sheppard. In Dallas, she was a member of the Good Street Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. C. A. W. Clark for 70 years.

Because of her failing health, she decided to move back to Rentiesville to live with her daughter and grandchildren. After returning home, she re-united with the First Baptist Church in Rentiesville, where she was a faithful member. She loved the Lord and her church.

Mother Sheppard was known for her two quotes; "Love was God's command" and "if you don't love everybody, you are bound for hell."

Her health made it necessary for her to take up residence at Eufaula Manor Nursing Home earlier this year, where she met and made many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bishop Sheppard, two sisters, a brother and a grandson.

Remaining to lament her passing; her daughter, Mary B. Martin, of the home in Rentiesville, Oklahoma; three grandsons, Harold Martin, Jr., and Donald Martin, Rentiesville and Jeffrey Martin, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; her sisters, Thelma Jackson, Dallas, Texas and Eola Atkinson, Muskogee, Oklahoma; a brother, Albert Jones, Kansasi City, Missouri; twelve great-grandchildren; seven great great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.

Her farewell assembly will commence on Saturday morning, September 25, 2010 at 10:00 AM in the First Baptist Church of Rentiesville. The Pastor, Reverend Donald E. Brown, will preside.

The Christian committal will follow in the Honey Springs Cemetery at Rentiesville.

You may visit Mother Sheppard, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Friday from 12 Noon to 7 PM.

Friends may convey condolences and sign the online register at www.biglowfunerals.com.