This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Paxton, Erwin, Shepherd, Pelton, taylor, Roller, Llinebarger, Bethune Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/YZ5.2ACIB/1019 Message Board Post: Monett Times Monett, MO March 22, 2004 Lillian Erwin-Shepherd Lillian H. (Paxton) Erwin-Shepherd, 91, a long-time resident of Purdy, passed away at 9:35 a.m. Friday, March 19, 2004, at Lacoba Nursing Home, Monett, Missouri, following a long illness. Lillian was born September 23, 1912, in Elida, New Mexico, to Joseph Lee Paxton and Annie Laurie (Pelton) Paxton. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Purdy, Missouri. Her last years were spent as a resident of Lacoba Homes in Monett, Missouri. Lillian served as a Sunday school teacher for many years at the First Baptist Church in Purdy, Missouri. She was instrumental in the early beginnings of the Community Building. She was president of the Purdy Senior Citizens Club for many years, and was a member of the Eastern Star where she held an office for several years. She married Alvah Lee "Shorty" Erwin on August 24, 1932, at Portales, New Mexico, and he preceded her in death on October 12, 1969. Lillian married Clarence O. Shepherd on May 4, 1976, and he also preceded her in death on April 10, 1988. Survivors include: One son, Raymond Erwin and his wife Barbara of Dallas, Texas. Three daughters, Ava Taylor and her husband Charles of Arlington, Texas, Iva Roller and her husband Ted of Purdy, Missouri; and Inez Linebarger and her husband Gary of Hong Kong, China. One daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann Erwin of Granbury, Texas. One step-daughter, Virginia Bethune of Kingwood, Texas. Fifteen grandchildren, thirty-eight great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. Lillian was preceded in death by one son, J. R. Erwin; two sisters, Iva Leahy and Fannie Walker; and one brother, Hearst Paxton. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 3 p.m. at Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, Monett with Rev. Tony Martin officiating. Burial will be in Purdy Cemetery, Purdy, Missouri, under the direction of Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, Monett, Missouri. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2004 from 2 p.m. until time of service. Memorials may be given to the Purdy First Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, Monett, Missouri.