Ermia J. Shephard was born on the 27th of September 1939 to Perry and Ada (Patty) Nolan in a coal mining camp near Harlan, Kentucky. She passed away peacefully on the 29th of April 2020 at her home in Harker Heights, Texas where she resided for 34 years.
Affectionately known as Norma Jean, she was the fifth child of eight children. Her father, a coal miner, moved the family around from mining camps between Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee. After arriving in Knoxville TN, her mother decided this would be the place they'd call home and raise their children. As an adult, Norma Jean would eventually leave Knoxville, but know that Knoxville never left her mind nor her heart.
Norma Jean was married to SFC Charles R Shephard (retired), who served our country in the Marines and Army proudly for more than 26 years. Their union lasted more than 29 years, sadly they divorced but together still managed to raise their five children, Carolyn “Cricket” Murray (Jarvis) of Lorton, VA; Donald R Woods (Darlene) of Knoxville, TN; Natalie McCarrell (James deceased) of Killeen, TX, Darrell C Woods of Belton, TX and Latwan M Shephard of Missouri City, TX.
Norma Jean had a very strong work ethic working in various industries holding various positions throughout her years in the workforce. She worked at Jim Robbins Seatbelt Company in Knoxville, TN before moving to Fort Hood, TX in 1975. In Fort Hood, she worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for fifteen years before moving on to Mobil-Exxon in Temple, TX from where she retired in 1997.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; brothers, James Nolan (New York) and Arthur Nolan, (Knoxville, TN); sisters, Ida L. Jackson (Killeen, TX) & Dorothy (Dot) Williams Clarksville, TN.
She leaves to mourn her passing along with her chidren are thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brothers, Alvin C. Nolan (Lorna) of Fresno CA and Charles E. Nolan (Edith) of Knoxville, TN; sister, Marcia N. Humphrey of Kansas City, MO; many nieces and nephews, whom she knew by name and the many more that came along later in life.
To all her family and friends, from Knoxville Norma Jean came and to Knoxville, Norma Jean returns.
Sunday, May 24, 2020, a private graveside will take place. Elder Eric Satterfield will officiate. During this time, we will remain in compliance with the Governor's Executive Order #17 (COVID-19). Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com and mandated by the CDC and Governor of Tennessee.
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