Linda Diane Sheppard

Linda Diane (Murrell) Sheppard, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 13, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Linda was born on December 13, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Bernard Murrell and Alberta Butler Murrell. She was a lifelong resident of West College Hill aka "The Sub". Linda loved her family and her community. She was the product of two very large families who instilled in her the values of faith, compassion, hard work, and caring for others.

Linda graduated from North College Hill High School in 1964. Shortly after graduation, she began her career with Firestone. In February, 1969, Linda gave birth to her only son - Neil. During her time at Firestone, she was inspired by her Aunt Grace and pursued a career in nursing. She became known in nursing for her professionalism, kindness and compassion at The Jewish Hospital where she continued serving at Mt. Healthy Christian Home where she later became a resident herself.

Perhaps one of her greatest expressions of love was when Linda stepped away from her nursing career to become her mother's fulltime caregiver until her mother's passing. In addition to the birth of her son, she considered this sacrifice as one of the greatest privileges and most meaningful acts of love in her life.

One of Linda's greatest joys was simply being with family. She often reminisced about growing up on Innes Avenue where life centered around family, neighbors, and community.

She loved sitting on the front porch waving to everyone who passed by, sharing stories, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the day. Linda also delighted in babysitting her younger cousins, caring for them with the same patience, kindness, and nurturing spirit.

Family remained the center of Linda's world throughout her life. She especially treasured spending time with her beloved granddaughter, Maya Murrell. She enjoyed online shopping, dining out, family gatherings, day trips, hair appointments, getting her nails done, and simply spending time together making memories. Linda shared an extraordinary bond with her first cousins, Marsha Reese and Lloyd Butler who were more like siblings. They spent countless days together, laughing, and creating memories that strengthened a lifelong bond of love and friendship.

Linda's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was raised at First Baptist Church of West College Hill under the leadership of the late Dr. Rev. Edward Jones, Sr., where she faithfully worshipped and sang in the choir. In her later years, she united with Second Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member under the pastorate of Rev. Roy Rogers, Pastor Rogers was her pastor and he was a trusted confidant, lifelong friend, and spiritual guide who stood beside Linda throughout life's joys and challenges, especially during seasons of illness. His prayers, along with the daily visits from her devoted brother, Roy, brought her comfort and strength.

As her health declined, she moved to Edward Jones Terrace in West College Hill for approximately three years before moving to Mt. Healthy Chrisitian Home. Her final residence was Hearthstone Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Linda leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Neil Murrell; her devoted brother, Merlin LeRoy Murrell; granddaughter, Maya; grandson, DeQuan; nephews, Merlin, Jr. and Eric; niece, Felicia; great nephew Swede, "great niece", Makeda; Aunts Arovia Butler, paternal cousin and sister at heart, Marsha Reese; best friends & first cousin, Reginia Butler Wynn and Vicki Lynn Butler; dear, lifelong friends Lynette Neely and Esther Wilbourn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Sheppard; maternal grandparents Jesse and Eugene Butler, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Edith and Bernard Murrell, Sr.; 5 maternal aunts and 6 maternal uncles; 1 paternal aunt and 5 paternal uncles; cousin, Lloyd Butler.

Whether she was known as Linda to many or affectionately called "Bobbie" by those who loved her most, she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. Her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to God and those she loved left an indelible mark on every life she touched. Linda's legacy of faith, selfless service, unconditional love, and compassion will continue to inspire her family for generations to come