Mrs. Diane M. Shepherd

Mother Diane Mattie Shepherd was born February 6, 1948, in Washington D.C. to Raymond and Mattie Edwards (who preceded her in death). Five children were born in this union: Lorraine Seals, Raymond Edwards Jr., Roy Edwards Sr. (all preceded in death) and Christine Davis. In 1963, after Mattie and Clandes “Bee” Marchbanks were united in marriage, Diane, and her siblings relocated from Youngstown, Ohio to Detroit, Michigan and in 1966, she graduated from Cass Technical High School with honors. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Deaf Education, a master’s degree in special education, and Education Specialist in Science at Wayne State University. She also attended the National Institute Drug-Free Training for Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Gallaudet University. Diane began her Doctoral studies at The University of Toledo. Diane was employed at Detroit Public Schools Community District for 35 years. She held various positions consisting of Teacher and Principal at the Detroit Day School for the Deaf, Teacher Consultant for the Hearing Impaired at Crockett Career Center, Curriculum Administrator at the Wayne County Youth Home, Department Head at Y. Gladys Barsemian, Wingert Trainable Center and the Detroit Transitional Center-East. Before retiring in 2013, Diane was promoted to the Detroit Community School District Central Office as an Administrator in charge of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff and students. Diane was the Founder and Director of Hearing-Impaired Youth at Risk with Drugs and other Substances (H.I.Y.A.R.D.S). She was an expert in teaching Sign Language and Interpretation of signs for the Hearing Impaired. Diane accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a faithful and dedicated member at Greater Northwest Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Diane implemented services for the Hearing Impaired at Greater Northwest and large venues like The National Women’s COGIC Convention, Baileys Cathedral COGIC, and the Instructor at New Testament Christian Academy to name a few. She was the most recent Church Mother at Greater Northwest COGIC, President of the Business and Professional Women, coordinator for the Lorraine Seals Outreach Ministry/Food Pantry. She also served on the Scholarship Awards Committee, Usher Board, and was the Coordinator for the Summer Enrichment Program. On Monday, September 30, 2024, God called his faithful servant home. Diane leaves to cherish her loving memory, her husband of 56 years, Henry Shepherd, two sons: LaMar Shepherd (Avonne), and Andre Shepherd, her sister Christine Davis, two sisters-in-law: Denise Edwards and Sandra Whitehead (Albert), 10 grandchildren: William Shepherd (Melonie), Nichelle Shepherd, Jordan Shepherd, Erin Mannings, Jamal Hunter, Andre Jr., Andrew Shepherd, Aaron Shepherd, Ariel Spiering, and Elijah Shepherd, five great grandchildren, her goddaughter Dr. Diamond Moore-Shelby and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mrs. Diane M. Shepherd

February 16, 1948 - September 30, 2024