Lois passed from this world on Wednesday, the 11th day of November, 2015, following a brief illness. She was born on the 17th of December in 1935 to the late Henderson Shepherd (1904-1962) and Belva Woods-Shepherd-Conley (1914-2001) in Portsmouth, Ohio. On the 8th day of November in 1952, she married the love of her life, Leonard R. Smith, who survives. Three days ago they celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Throughout their journey together, they had four daughters: Pamela J. Smith-Lewis of Wheelersburg, Shirley Ann King and Rick McCarty of Xenia, Beverly S. Tucker and husband Matthew, of Ashland, Kentucky, Jill L. Pauley and husband Jerry of Jamestown. She was a very proud grandmother, affectionately called "Mother" by all nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She is survived by two brothers, Ottis W. Shepherd and wife, Shirley of Xenia, Roger L. Shepherd of Dayton; one sister, Delphine Brown and husband, Jerry of Cleveland, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Dan Vogelsong of Xenia; many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Lois was preceded in death by her brother, John B. Shepherd (1940-2002) and sister, Lena Nadine Vogelsong (1944-2009) as well as many others.

Since 1969 Lois has been a member of Sacred Mission Church on Dogwood Ridge in Wheelersburg. She served in many roles within the church and was truly faithful to the church as well as to her Lord, whom she served. Lois was an avid Wheelersburg Pirates football and basketball fan and loved watching their games. After their retirement, as sweethearts they traveled across the United States and Canada from the most northern point in Alaska to the most southern point in Key West, Florida. Both Lois and Leonard enjoyed their "Family by Choice", also known as their "Camping Club".

The family will receive friends and family from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2015 at Wolfe-Nelson Funeral Home in Sciotoville, Ohio, 5951 Gallia Street, Sciotoville, Ohio 45662. The Celebration of Lois's life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Wolfe-Nelson Funeral Home in Sciotoville with Pastors Jim Benner and Henry Burkett officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg immediately thereafter.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff of Southern Ohio Medical Center and SOMC Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to the Matriarch of our family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. The family has trusted David and Maria Swick and Bill and Leslie Nelson of WOLFE-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in Sciotoville to handle her funeral arrangements.

We will always remember the beautiful lady as "a sparrow to her nest; but an eagle when she flew."