Ms. Gladys Ruth Sheppard was born the 20th of May, 1946, to (the late) Grace Sheppard Murphy and reared by her (Late) Grandparents Eston Sheppard and Mamie Roberts of Tampa, Florida. She committed her life to Christ and was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida under the leadership of Reverend Dr. C.T. Kirkland. Gladys was an active member of the Sanctuary Choir and mission ministry until she relocated to Tallahassee, Florida. She quickly immersed herself with the music ministry and worship services at Westminister Gardens Fellowship of Believers led by Chaplin Patricia Vann. Gladys was a dedicated Christian who loved her church family and enjoyed hearing the word of God.

Gladys quietly passed away in the early hours on the 29th of October, with the attentive healthcare providers at The Tallahassee Living Center at the age of 76. She was proceeded in death by her longtime companion Thomas Brown and her son Sylvester E. Sheppard (Michelle). She is survived by her son Attorney Craig J. Brown (Antonia) of Tallahassee, Florida and Grandchildren Tyler S. Brown, Chandler T. Brown, Sylvester Shepard Jr., Deontae Sheppard, and Grand puppy Brooks D. Brown. Loving family: Cheryl Walker (Wendell), Kimberly Rogers, Darrel Hall (Rita), Ronald Hall, Lekisha Walker and Ranesha Candis, Juan Hartsfield (Asku), Tochashima Hartfield (Traquita), Travis Hall (Andrea) and). Loving friends: Sister Betty Wilcox, Sister Carolyn Holmes, Sister Liz Russian, Chaplin Patricia Vann, and Arlevie Butler.

Gladys graduated from Middleton Senior High School in 1964 and was called to professional caregiving and worked as a certified childcare provider at the Tampa United Methodist Center, Rosa Valdez Enrichment Center until her retirement in 2011.

Her favorite past times were attending church, watching The Andy Griffith Show and the MeTV nightly scheduled programs. Among her many talents, she was the official consultant to all business endeavors at the Brown Household, an adored mother of The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.