Merle Rissa Sheppard

February 26, 1932 - June 24, 2017

Merle Rissa Blair Sheppard, 85 of Laurel Creek, WV went home to be with the Lord on Saturday June 24, 2017. She was born Feb. 26, 1932 at Laurel Creek, WV the daughter of the late Willard and Irene Deskins Blair. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Howard E. Blair and a great grandson, Cory Storm Akers. Merle was a loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother and friend. She was known for her delicious meals at Cheech’s and her love for family, friends and community. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a member of the Little Dove United Baptist Church of Belo. Her survivors include her husband of 68 years, Billy Sheppard, daughters, Darice Akers Vance of Laurel Creek and Beverly (Robert) Adkins of Lenore, son, H.W. “Buzz” Sheppard of Laurel Creek, sisters, Ann Damron of Lenore, Wanda Sheppard of Gahanna, OH, Carrie “Sis” Alexander of Laurel Creek, Leal Blair of Chicago, IL, Joyce Shultz of Warsaw, IN, and brother, Gary W. Blair of Laurel Creek. Merle also leaves behind to cherish her memories her grandchildren, Randy (Karen) Akers, Meliss (Aaron) Taylor, Renee (Eric) Sartin, Regina (Dave) Evans, Coty (Kim) Sheppard, Missy Young, Cheyenne (Charles) Carver and Carol Jeffery, great-grandchildren, Chris (Paige) Akers, Casy Akers, Caylee Akers, Ciley Akers, Logan Harris, Mattox Sartin, Lyrix Sartin, Eli Sheppard, Emma Sheppard, Saylor Carver, Mya Young and Aly Young, great-great grandchild, Cameron Akers and Special friends, Albert Cable and William T. Deskins. Funeral services will be held on Thursday June 29, 2017 at the Little Dove United Baptist Church at 1:00pm with Elder Jimmy Maynard, Chris Ooten and Ricky Booth officiating. Burial will follow in the Blair Cemetery at Laurel Creek, WV. Visitation will be Wednesday evening at the church from 6:00 to 9:00pm with services starting at 7:00pm. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the ARH Hospital and the home health nurses for the care they provided for Merle. They would also like to give many thanks to Jim Maynard and Carla Maynard Atkins for their love and support for the family.