Joan L. Shepherd, 78, of Defiance, went to be with the Lord on  December 20, 2014 at the Laurels of Defiance, Defiance, OH.

She was born on March 31, 1936 to Clifford  and Willadean (Culver) Potter at Kalamazoo, MI. In 1967 she married Earl Shepherd, who preceded her in death in 1978.

She was a member of Family Christian Center, and had worked as a caretaker.

Joan is survived by her son, Clifford J. (Joyce) Shepherd of Defiance, OH, 4 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Janetta Douglas-Martinez of Defiance, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Earl Shepherd, sons, Billy Douglas, and Rick  Douglas, sister, Jean Fessel.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 12:30 pm at the funeral  home, with Pastor Tim Tracy and Pastor Andy Tracy, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Defiance Co. Senior Center.