Obituary of Geraldine Sheppard

Geraldine B. Sheppard was born November 20, 1929 on Jessup’s Farm in East Riverton (now Cinnaminson) New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late Robert Banks and Gertrude Askins Banks. “Gerry”, as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, passed away peacefully at home, on Sunday, January 10, 2016. She was 86 years old. She attended Sunday school and gave her heart to the Lord at an early age. She was a member of the Children’s Choir. Gerry was educated in the Westfield Public School System, “School #4 – the Colored School” (now the Cinnaminson Public School System). She attended Palmyra High School and graduated June, 1947. She began studying nursing at the Bordentown Manual Training Institute. Later, she met and married a handsome soldier named Melvin (Moe) Sheppard. From the union came two children, Jarmilla (Missy) Sheppard and Melvin Charles (Brud) Sheppard, Jr. During her lifetime, she worked at B.F. Goodrich in Riverside, N.J.; and later RCA (now Lockheed Martin) Moorestown, N.J. While at Lockheed Martin, she received many “Perfect Attendance” Awards. She was a diligent, friendly co-worker and continued to socialize with her fellow retirees. For many years, Gerry was a valued and trusted friend to the Ellis Family. As a member of the Saint Paul Baptist Church Family, she generously assisted every ministry. Most recently, she served as President of the Pastor’s Aide. In her East Riverton community, Gerry kept abreast of important issues and worked the polls for the Election Board for more than 20 years. She also supported the efforts of the Civic Club of Riverton, East Riverton and Palmyra for many years. She was extremely excited to “vote for and witness history when Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States. Gerry loved her family and enjoyed attending family gatherings, collecting Pewter and Nativity figurines, “Byers dolls”, as well as Santa Clauses. She was known to have a BIG HEART as she enriched the lives of so many family members and friends. Geraldine leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Missy; a loving son, Melvin and daughter-in-law, Zilphia Denise (Shocki); beloved sister, Dorothy Turner; brother-in-law, Haley Sheppard; grandchildren Gerri Brooke and Melvin Nathaniel; loving and caring nieces and nephews; and loyal and faithful friends including the Ellis Family, Mallie L. Washington and William Butler. Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; brothers, William Banks, Roland Banks, Walter (Beck) Banks, and Joseph Banks and two sisters, Janie Hammond and Catherine Shipman.