Margaret Shepard was a Christmas baby, born December 25, 1933.  She was the youngest of three to the union of the late McKinley and Lucille Owens.  She was preceded in death by her two older brothers, John H. Owens and Cleavon Owens.

Margaret was born in Montgomery, Alabama and was moved to Cincinnati, Ohio as an infant.  She was educated in the Cincinnati Public School system.  She graduated in 1952 from East Vocational High School.  It was here that she met her husband, the late Rev. Raymond E. Shepard.  Margaret went back to college in her 30's after the birth of her second child to pursue a degree in nursing.  She worked as a private duty nurse before early retirement in the late 1980's.

At an early age, Margaret professed Christ and was baptized. From her youth to adult years, she was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Julius R. Barron.  She would later move her membership to Second Baptist Church of West College Hill when her husband was called into the ministry.  For over 30 years, Margaret served in many capacities as First Lady of Second Baptist.  Her passion was always for the youth of the church and the Women's Circle. She served in a variety of positions throughout the Cincinnati District and Western Union Baptist District Association.  After the passing of her husband, she united with Beulah Missionary Baptist.  While there she faithfully served as a member and secretary of the Willing Workers ministry.  She continued to attend until her ability to do so became too challenging.  In her later years she would faithfully livestream the services of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church, in Louisville Kentucky.

Margaret was united in holy matrimony to Raymond E. Shepard.  To this union, two daughters were born, Cheryl and Yolanda.

Margaret Shepard was a quiet force, soft spoken, but carried the strength of the Lord with her wherever she went.

She departed this life at her home on Monday August 12, 2024.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Cheryl Price and Yolanda (Brian) Smith; three grandsons, Donte L. Price (Anissa), Shawn L. Price (Roneka) and Khalil R. Smith; three Great Grandchildren, Dayvin L. Price, Dominic L. Price and Lilianna E. Price; a special niece, Beverly C. Williams; special nephews John C. E. Williams and Damien Williams (Pauline) and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.