Barbara Ann Davis Shepherd was born on May 4, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to proud parents, the late Anna B. Williams Davis and Elmer Davis. She was the youngest child and only daughter of four children, dearly beloved and protected by her brothers Leo, James, and Edward. Although she had no biological sisters, she and her first cousin, Ruth Davis, shared a special bond, and Barbara considered Ruth her big sister.
Barbara was educated in and later worked for many years as a teacher’s aide in the Cleveland Public Schools system.
She was a faithful and founding member of her church, New Millennium House of Prayer, where she served on the nursing and usher boards for many years and was honored to be named a Mother of the Church. She was strong in her faith and in her love for the Lord. She was undoubtedly a praying mother and grandmother, always keeping her family and loved ones covered, as she believed that “the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.”
Barbara was blessed with five children – Lutrichia (Fred), Velma, Anthony, Jacqueline, and Andre. She was united in marriage to the late Ocie Shepherd. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, several cousins, aunts, and special friends.
She leaves to cherish in her memory her children; grandchildren – Byron, Kisha, Jasmine, Dontae, Edward, and Whitney; great grandchildren; Godsister Dorothy and brother-in-law, Forest Wiley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins.
To her Goddaughters Tamika, LeShillea, Monee, Elaine, Melody McMullen, and Melody Dyer, she leaves this message “I’m hopping, but not stopping. Smoochies!”
Barbara Ann Davis Shepherd, lovingly known as “Nanu” to her family, transitioned peacefully into the arms of the Father on February 7, 2025. She leaves an enduring legacy, and will be greatly and forever missed, cherished, and loved by her dear family and friends.
Friends may call on Monday, February 17, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:00 p.m. at New Millenium Baptist Church Ministry, 541 Brown St, Akron, OH 44311. Funeral services will immediately follow. Interment on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 10:45 at Ohio Western National Cemetery.