Ms. Lonnie Mae Shepherd, 80 of Charlotte, passed away on Friday January 18, 2019 at her residence.  Lonnie was born on August 15, 1938 in Charlotte, NC to the late Herman Shepherd, Sr.  and Clara Faust Shepherd.  She was preceded in death by four brothers, Willie James Shepherd, Joseph Shepherd, Herman Shepherd, Jr., John Wesley Shepherd and two sisters, Willie Mae Shepherd and Ruth Shepherd

Lonnie graduated from Sterling High School in 1957.  After high school, she worked as a domestic worker, then went to work for Uniform Rental, Trimline Foundations, Fluor Daniel, ServiceMaster and in-home private duty for Mrs. Esther Rucker and Mrs. Ruth Hansen.

Lonnie had a sweet feisty spirit.  She always spoke her mind, helped those in need, was a fierce defender of those she loved and would always do what she put her mind to.  The absolute joy of her life were her two great-grandchildren, Kaydence and Jacen.  She enjoyed their overnight visits and took every opportunity to hang out with them, taking them wherever she went.  Although she was shown how to use the computer, she chose to play card games on it while watching TV.  She enjoyed fishing and watching fishing on TV, cooking, talking to friends on the phone, gardening, going to the farmer's market, and watching her Carolina Panthers.  Stephen Curry was her favorite basketball player.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Amelia S. Smith (James); extended family daughters, Yolanda Aery and Carol Houston (Larry); one grandson, Jace L. Shepherd; two great-grandchildren, Kaydence and Jacen Shepherd; two sisters, Esther White and Ruby Strickland; best friend, Dorothy Green; a host of of nieces, nephews and cousins.