Ms. Edna Ruth (Jones) Townsend

     Ms. Edna Ruth Jones(Townsend) of Lumberton, North Carolina departed this life peacefully on August 4, 2021 in her home. She was born in Fairmont, NC. On September 13, 1946 to Ophelia and Major Jones Jr. who preceded her in death. She grew up attending Freewill Baptist church with her mother until she married and moved to Detroit Michigan. During her union with  Walter Shepherd who also preceded her in death, was added four children before and after moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida of which she resided for 12 years. Ms. Edna was a great homemaker, loving to sew for her girls and try different recipes that she learned from watching Julia Child everyday.

     She later moved to Robeson County to be closer to her other family and friends where she acquired her GED and later formal training for becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. She obtained employment with Wesley Pines Retirement Homes of whom she passionately provided services for over 30 years. She later returned again after retirement to Wesley Pines for 2 ½ years and later worked for Glenn Flora Assistant Living for 10 years in addition to doing private duty until she became unable to work.

    At this time she joined Ohovah AME church a native family church which she faithfully attended in addition to attending the United Pentecostal Church of Red Springs where she repented and received the infilling of the holy ghost. The last service she attended was at Grace Church of Rowland North Carolina where she expressed a great energy that she never experienced lasting days on end until she became very ill.  Ms Edna was primarily known for her dedication to helping her family and friends and contributing to where there was a need. She will be greatly missed by her fellow senior citizens community who remember her for her endearing kindness and smile. She leaves a legacy of love and commitment to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family while contributing to whatever charities that she could. During her spare time she loved watching the Waltons and Judge Judy in addition to listening to either her 70’s music which she communicated reminded her of her times as a young mother living in Florida. Yet foremost her love for God was much emphasized through her favorite song “Amazing Grace” (Al Green’s Version) and ‘God Cares About You’ by Joshua Wilson in addition to listening to messages about Jesus.

       She leaves to cherish her loving memory, one son, Turban Orlando Shephard of Florida, three daughters, Debra Denise Sinclair of Lumberton, Darlene Michelle Sinclair of Hope Mills, NC and Rhonda Jean Shephard of Jacksonville, FL, one sister, Alice Faye Jones, three brothers, Ronald Jones, Jerry Jones and Camden Jones, of Lumberton, grandchildren, Perry Q. Sinclair Jr of Gulf Port, Mississippi, Tomeka S. Sinclair, Bethany D. Sinclair all of Lumberton, NC Quintin L. Shephard, Courtney N. Shephard, Savion F. all of Hope Mills, NC, Shephard, Kiondra J. Williamson of Wilmington, NC, Rashika D. Southerland, Shamira O. Southerland, Onde'us J. Ballard all of Jacksonville, Fla, Thirteen great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

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