Anita Shepard

Anita Parlee Shepard, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, May 21, 2021, at Jackson Manor.

She was born July 27, 1927, in St. Louis to James Elbert and Estelle Laverne Dacus Johnson. She and Joseph John "Jack" Shepard were married Nov. 25, 1950, in St Louis. He preceded her in death March 20, 2009.

Anita worked at Saint Francis Medical Center from 1977 to 1985. She volunteered as a librarian at St. Vincent de Paul school, Community Counseling Center and Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Survivors include daughters, Cynthia Ann (Alan) Rawlins of Salem, Virginia, and Candace Marie (Harry) Ralls of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren, Adam P. (Teri) Ralls, Andrew P. (Kasie) Ralls and Alexis M. (Bobby) Davenport; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Ralls, Gavin Ralls, Ryker Ralls, Hudson Ralls and Allison Davenport.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, husband and granddaughter, Allison M. Ralls.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with the Rev. Brian Straus officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul School Library.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.