Obituary of Jennie L. Shepherd

Jennie Lenora Lavine – Shepherd was born to Edward Lavine and Mamie Paterson on December 5, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY. She departed this life on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Mercy Hospital, Rockville Centre, NY. Jennie Lavine (also known as Jennie Levine) started her early adult life as a milliner. She then became a loving wife to Leon Shepherd marrying on August 7, 1948 and remaining married until Leon parted this life August 9, 2002. Together they raised 4 children, Cadice Shepherd, Karen Shepherd, Cecelia Shepherd-Wright, and Leon Shepherd. Though Jennie in her youth only obtained a 9th grade education, she instilled in her children the value of education, inspiring them all to go to college. As a mother she taught her children the value of discipline, integrity, perseverance and education. She herself continue to pursue her education, obtaining her GED in her late forties and went on to enjoy various continuing education classes at Hofstra University. She was an avid handcrafter, baker and she loved to travel. Jennie professed being a Christian, coming to Christ in her youth. Though at her death she had no church home, she had attended Church of the Open Door faithfully while living in Brooklyn, NY and attended Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt, NY until the death of her husband Leon. Jennie was a very quiet, loving, giving person. After raising her children, she poured into the lives of others as a caregiver to both the very young and the elderly. She had empathy for those who were less fortunate, and often said “Oh, but for the grace of God go I”. Jennie has been preceded in death by her husband Leon Shepherd, her parents, her 3 sisters Louise, Daisy and Violet Black, She leaves to cherish her legacy 3 daughters Cadice Shepherd-Scott, Karen Shepherd, Cecelia Shepherd-Wright, Kevin Wright (son in law), 5 grandchildren Leon Shepherd, Tarik Scott, Elijah Scott, David Burnie, Simone Wright, 3 great-grandchildren Leonay Shepherd, Ayana Scott, Emmaree Scott and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.