Barbara A. Shepherd

Barbara A. Shepherd (nee Bates), age 68 of Joliet, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home while surrounded by family on March 23, 2025. She was born to Jerome Bates and Elizabeth Bates Lemons (nee Thompson) on July 28, 1956 in Kennett, Missouri.

Barbara was born and raised in Kennett, Mo before beginning her extensive higher education journey at Lincoln University. After moving to Illinois, Barbara attended classes at both Lewis University as well as Joliet Junior College in pursuit of her Master’s Degree in the Education field. After completing her studies, Barbara dedicated her professional life to the value of higher education, working for Lewis University and Joliet Junior College in a Director role. She often visited local high schools to stress the importance of continuing education to the next generation, and she held her own family to a high standard when it came to taking their studies seriously and with purpose. Barabara, and her loving husband Robert, worked hard to provide for their sole daughter Tasha Shepherd. She instilled in her family the importance of following traditions, and spending time with each other at every opportunity. She was always very careful to set a perfect place setting, complete with holiday specific themed plates, to serve the wonderful food that she would so lovingly prepare. When all family members (attendance was required, not optional) were seated, they never moved forward without inviting God to join the feast. Prayer was important to Barbara, and she was always certain to make it the focus of their pre-meal activities. Later in life, Barbara was very fond of spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always making the time to support them in each of their own pursuits, athletic or otherwise. She loved to look good, and as everyone knows, looking good requires some time spent shopping. Barbara loved to shop for herself and her family, and she was incredibly good at accessorizing her outfits with pieces from her extensive jewelry collection. She was very fond of music during her life, often listening to the Blues, Gospel, and of course anything sung by the incomparable Luther Vandross.

She was preceded in death by her father Jerome Bates and her mother Elizabeth Bates Lemons (nee Thompson), her sister Rosie Talton, and her great granddaughter Remi Shepherd.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband Robert E. Shepherd; her loving daughter Tasha L. Shepherd; her granddaughter Sha’Kiece M. Brass; her grandsons Robert J. (Ashley) Shepherd, Lewis D. Brass, and Andre J. (Jasmine) Lee; great grandchildren Mackenzie, Karmelo, Legacy, and Arenzo; her sister Juanita (Pete) Oaks; nephews Gary (Alicia) Bates, Crockett (Tonya) Oaks, James Talton, and Lisa Talton; as well as many other extended family members, friends, and loved ones also survive. The family would like to offer a special note of gratitude to the Clark and Lanier families for their consistent care and compassion throughout Barbara’s life until the very end.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held in Barbara’s honor on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL 60435. A Chapel Service will begin at 12:30 and will include an opportunity for a sharing of memories. Barabara will be laid to rest on Monday March 31, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood, IL 60421 where she will await to be joined by her husband Robert, who served as a United States Marine. For guests who wish to attend the interment, please arrive at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery no later than 12:45 pm as interment services will begin promptly at 1:00 pm.