Teresa A. Shepherd

Teresa A. Shepherd died on March 6, 2024 at home in Joliet surrounded by family.  

She was born on September 6, 1939 in Wilmington, IL to Orlan and Jessie (nee Seehafer) Downey. 

She was the mother of 6 girls; Mattie (Larry) Becker, Kimberly Varju, Jackie Becker, Connie (David) Edwards, Serena (David) Colegrove and Jamie (Oudone “Donnie”) Sariyavong. 

Teresa is survived by her grandchildren, Jessica (Kyle) Plotts, Cody (McKenzie) Becker, Valerie (Josh Simpson) Varju, Stephanie (Charlie Bernhardt) Varju, Kurt (Kelsea Sollberger) Varju, Gina (Cesar) Espinoza, Christopher (Nicole) Becker, Roselyn Gas, Jennifer Tannhauser, Douglas (Cassye) Colegrove, Amanda (Steven) Hughes. She is also survived by 25 Great Grandchildren who called her Double G with 1 Great-great grandchild on the way. Also surviving are Sister-in-law Rosemary Downey, Brother-in-law Gerald Shepherd and Special Pets: Gumbo, Chop, Irma and Roux.  

She was proceeded in death by husband, James Shepherd, her parents, siblings; Dorothy (Richard) Ceci, Daniel Downey, Son-in-law Arnold”Butch” Becker Jr., Granddaughter Shannon Murphy, and 2 great-grandchildren in infancy.  

Teresa was known for her generous spirit, love for her family as well as a love for travel, bowling, baking and collecting Barbie Dolls. She fought bravely her entire life to take care of her family. She retired as a cashier from the Joliet K-mart.  

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday March 12, 2024 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1910 Black Rd Joliet, IL with  Christian Funeral Service at 11:00, Pastor Matt Carlson officiating.