Birth Date: 11/21/1930
Deceased Date: 02/07/2020
On February 7th, 2020, Mr. Alvester Shepherd, 89, of Selma, North Carolina transitioned from labor to reward at Johnston Health in Smithfield, North Carolina, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Alvester Shepherd affectionately known as “Rev,” was born to the parents of Jesse and Victoria Shepherd, on November 21, 1930, in Selma, North Carolina. Alvester attended Richard B. Harrison School in Selma, North Carolina until he began working. He retired from the Virgina-Carolina Chemical Company in Selma, North Carolina after 29 years, then he went on to work at Burlington Industries Textile Company in Smithfield, North Carolina after working another 21.5 years. Upon retiring from both companies, he went on to work another 8 years at WIlliamsburg Woodcraft in Selma, North Carolina.
Alvester joined Holy Temple Bible Church of God at a very young age. He later went on to answer God’s call and became the Pastor of Sandy Grove Church in Vass, North Carolina for 11 years. In addition to his ministry, Alvester enjoyed growing his own vegetable gardens, working in his yard, and watching the Dodgers baseball team each season.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Victoria Shepherd, two brothers, James and Harold Shepherd, and three sisters Claudia Shepherd, Earline Shepherd, and Elizabeth Shepherd Ellis.
Alvester leaves to cherish his precious memory, the love of his life and his wife of over 61 years, Savannah Massey Shepherd. He is also survived by three daughters, Evelyn Marie Watson (Emmitt) of Selma, North Carolina, Roseyone Ann Ellerbe (Ronald) of Wendell, North Carolina, and Angel Alvester Shepherd of Selma, North Carolina. Three brothers, Elmo Shepherd (Vivian) of Selma, North Carolina, James Wesley Shepherd of Wilson, North Carolina, and Edward Shepherd (Evelyn) of Goldsboro, North Carolina. Two grandchildren, Tina Brown-Jimenez of New Rochelle, New York and Brian Brown (deceased). Three great-grandchildren, Christian Allen-Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina, Zoe Jimenez, and Brian Jimenez of New Rochelle, New York, one beloved aunt Lessie Mae Shaw of Hollis, New York, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Please visit www.rlsandersfuneralhome.net to leave online condolences.
Visitation:
Wednesday, February 12
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Holy Temple Church of God
228 Montgomery Heights Road
Selma, NC 27576
Funeral Service:
Wednesday, February 12
12:00 PM
Holy Temple Church of God
228 Montgomery Heights Road
Selma, NC 27576
